Many companies have entered into smart clothing in recent times. Google has brought out Project Jacquard to explore this concept. But the functions that can be done with smart clothing remain basic. It will only allow basic functions like connecting to the phone with the existing technology. With more advancement in the field, it could be able to perform more advanced functions like collecting biometric data. It could be achieved by a tighter integration into the clothing.
The researchers at Rice University have conducted an experiment on this technology. They developed conductive fibers with carbon nanotubes which are sewn into the fabric itself. Nanotubes are so small. The researchers grouped together many nanotubes to get to the regular size of a normal thread. It was then sewn into the clothing with a sewing machine. When it is sewn to an athletic shirt, the nanotubes allowed the collection of biometric data like the heart rate of the wearer. This will allow in the future to collect such data without the help of chest straps and smartwatches.
The researchers claim that the initial tests proved better results with the use of nanotubes. It worked better than a conventional chest strap heart monitor. The technology was also efficient like the electrode monitors. The commercial implementation would take some time. But the technology proves to be a promising one.
