Innovative textile technology opens new horizons in the creation of soft exoskeletons. Fabrics with electrically conductive coatings could become the basis for smart clothing that can enhance a person's physical capabilities and provide haptic feedback.
Smart fabric of the future
Revolution in the textile industry
Researchers have developed innovative tissue that can function as artificial muscles. In the future, this technology could be integrated into everyday clothing, providing additional support during physical activity.
Professor Edwin Jäger from Linköping University notes: “Imagine a non-bulky mechanical suit , but regular underwear with built-in textile muscles that can make lifting weights much easier."
From theory to practice
In 2017, a group of scientists demonstrated how an ordinary thread coated with a conductive polymer can change its length under the influence of electricity. This discovery aroused considerable interest in the scientific community. However, a single thread did not have sufficient strength, so the researchers moved on to creating an entire fabric, which significantly complicated the dynamics of the material's movement.
International cooperation
As part of the Horizon 2020 project, an international team of scientists and companies has developed a prototype sleeve with textile muscles that can transmit tactile sensations. Karin Backe, a PhD student at Borås University, explains: "We focused on tactile feedback, as at this stage textile muscles are not powerful enough to fully replace real muscles."
Practical Application
The created sleeve allows for tactile communication at a distance. Built-in sensors register touches, and textile muscles reproduce them at the other end. This technology could find applications in a variety of areas, from helping visually impaired people to improving virtual reality gaming experiences.
Development prospects
Researchers continue to work on increasing the load-carrying capacity of textile muscles. The long-term goal is to create garments with integrated muscle fibers, allowing the development of a discreet soft exoskeleton. This can be especially useful in caring for the elderly and in professions that involve heavy physical labor.
Nils-Christer Persson from the University of Boros emphasizes: "We are just beginning to unlock the potential of this technology. By taking inspiration from nature, we can create innovative textile solutions that benefit people."
Professor Yager is optimistic about the future, suggesting that the first active soft exoskeleton could appear in the coming years.
Glossary
- PEDOT is a highly conductive polymer used in the creation of smart fabrics .
- Horizon 2020 is the European Union's largest research and innovation program.
- Linköping University is one of Sweden's largest universities, renowned for its research in technology.
- Boros University is a Swedish university specializing in textile technology and engineering.
- VR (Virtual Reality) is a technology that creates the effect of presence in an artificially created world.
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Discussion of the topic – Clothing revolution: muscle fabric underwear
Scientists have developed an innovative fabric with artificial muscles that can be used to create an exoskeleton in the form of underwear. This technology promises to enhance human physical capabilities without bulky mechanical structures.
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