US’ Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) has launched a cutting-edge programme that represents perhaps the largest single investment to develop Active Smart Textiles (AST) that feel, move, and function like any garment that would assist personnel and first responders in dangerous, high-stress environments.
The Project: The Smart Electrically Powered and Networked Textile Systems (SMART ePANTS) programme by the IARPA which is the advanced research and development arm of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, aims to make performance-grade, computerised clothing a reality.
- The innovations, in the course of this 42-month effort, would provide the Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies with durable, ready-to-wear clothing that can record audio, video, and geolocation data.
- This eTextile technology could also assist personnel and first responders in dangerous, high-stress environments, such as crime scenes and arms control inspections without impeding their ability to operate swiftly and safely.
THE CONTRACTS: The IARPA has awarded the SMART ePANTS prime research contracts to the following organisations, which together bring additional academic institutions, non-profits, and businesses into the programme:
- SRI International
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Nautilus Defense
- Leidos, Inc.
- Areté
IARPA’s Test and Evaluation partners at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and Advanced Functional Fabrics of America will ensure the programme stays on track to fulfill IARPA’s vision for ASTs of the future.
WHAT THEY SAID:
IARPA is proud to lead this first-of-its-kind effort for both the IC and broader scientific community which will bring much-needed innovation to the field of ASTs. To date no group has committed the time and resources necessary to fashion the first integrated electronics that are stretchable, bendable, comfortable, and washable like regular clothing.
— Dawson Cagle
Program Manager
SMART ePANTS
