Researchers have created washable and durable magnetic field sensing electronic textiles that promises to revolutionise these textiles for both specialised and everyday clothing.
- It is the first time where magnetic sensitivity has been successfully and unobtrusively integrated into the core of a smart textile braid, to be used for human-computer interactions, in a mechanically resilient and conformal way, making them suitable for everyday use.
THE TEAM: Researchers from Nottingham Trent University, Germany’s Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, and Italy’s Free University of Bozen-Bolzano revealed in a new study published in Communications Engineering, how flexible and highly responsive magneto-resistive sensors can be placed within braided textile yarns compatible with conventional textile manufacturing.
THE TECH: The sensors are integrated within the textile, allowing the position of the sensors to be indicated using dyeing or embroidering, acting as touchless controls.
- The technology could be applied to areas such as temperature or safety controls for specialised clothing, gaming, or interactive fashion—such as allowing users to use simple gestures to control LEDs or other illuminating devices embedded in textiles.
- The study involved demonstrating the technology on a variety of uses, including a functional armband allowing navigational control in a virtual reality environment, and a self-monitoring safety strap for a motorcycle helmet.
- It is claimed the technology can be integrated into clothing and other textiles and can work underwater and across weather conditions.
- The technology is not prone to accidental activation, unlike some capacitive sensors in textiles and textile-based switches.
- By integrating the technology into everyday clothing people would be able to interact with computers, smart phones, watches and other smart devices, transforming their clothes into a wearable human-computer interface.
- The textile can be operated by the user across a variety of functions through the use of a ring or glove which would require a miniature magnet.
WHAT THEY SAID
Our design could revolutionise electronic textiles for both specialised and everyday clothing. Tactile sensors on textiles vary in usefulness as accidental activation occurs when they rub or brush against surfaces. Touchless interaction reduces wear and tear. Importantly, our technology is designed for everyday use. It is machine washable and durable and does not impact the drape, or overall aesthetic appeal of the textile.
— Dr Pasindu Lugoda (Lead Researcher)
Department of Engineering
Nottingham Trent University
Electronic textiles are becoming increasingly popular with wide-ranging uses, but the fusion of electronic functionality and textile fabrics can be very challenging. Electronic textiles have evolved and now rely on soft and flexible materials which are robust enough to endure washing and bending, but which are intuitive and reliable.
— Dr Theo Hughes-Riley (Corresponding Author)
Advanced Textiles Research Group
Nottingham Trent University
