A team of researchers from Nottingham Trent University, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V. (Germany) and Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy) has created washable and durable magnetic field sensing electronic textiles – thought to be the first of their kind – that they say pave the way to transform use in clothing.
The researchers placed tiny, flexible and highly responsive ‘magnetoresistive’ sensors within braided textile yarns compatible with conventional textile manufacturing. The textile can be operated by the user across a variety of functions through the use of a ring or glove that contains a miniature magnet. The position of the sensors to be indicated using dyeing or embroidering, acting as touchless controls or ‘buttons’.
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The technology, which could even be in the form of a textile-based keyboard, can be integrated into clothing and other textiles and can work underwater and across weather conditions. Importantly, the researchers argue, it isn’t prone to accidental activation unlike some capacitive sensors in textiles and textile-based switches.
Integrating the technology into everyday clothing people would enable people to interact with computers, smart phones, watches and other smart devices, transforming their clothes into a wearable human–computer interface.
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The technology could be applied to areas such as temperature or safety controls for specialised clothing, gaming, or interactive fashion – such as allowing wearers to use simple gestures to control LEDs or other illuminating devices embedded in the 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.
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It’s thought to be the first time that washable magnetic sensors have been unobtrusively integrated within textiles to be used for human-computer interactions.
‘Our design could revolutionise electronic textiles for both specialised and everyday clothing,’ said Pasindu Lugoda, who is based in Nottingham Trent University’s Department of Engineering. ‘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.’
‘Electronic textiles are becoming increasingly popular with wide-ranging uses, but the fusion of electronic functionality and textile fabrics can be very challenging, said Theo Hughes-Riley, who is based in Nottingham Trent University’s Advanced Textiles Research Group. ‘Electronic textiles have evolved and now rely on soft and flexible materials that are robust enough to endure washing and bending, but are intuitive and reliable.’
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The research has been published in Communications Engineering.