The next generation of health tracking devices will be printed on clothes

The reason these sensors can be used this way is because scientists have developed new technologies that allow scalable microcircuits to be printed on fabric. These new technologies—from printable inks to conductive yarns—are being used in conjunction with rugged sensors to form new wearable motion tracking devices.

Unlike other tracking devices, users can directly throw such devices into the washing machine for cleaning after sweating a lot.

Embedded circuit

The intricate circuits contained in traditional electronic equipment are composed of metal wires and silicon chips. However, traditional electronic components are not elastic and are not waterproof, so they must be placed on a strong pad, such as a computer motherboard.

In recent years, researchers have been trying to develop elastic conductive materials that are expected to drive the next generation of sci-fi devices, from retractable batteries to bionic eyes to electronic skin. In the past few years, flexible conductive material technology has achieved rapid development.

One of the solutions for manufacturing such devices is to use extendable ink and use it as a connection between different sensors, such as global positioning system (GPS), accelerometers, heart rate monitors and temperature sensors. Michael Burrows, manager of DuPont Microcircuit Materials, the manufacturer of this type of ink, said that this type of ink consists of conductive silver nanoparticles that can be embedded in a stretchable polymer resin.

According to Steven Willoughby, marketing manager of DuPont Microcircuit Materials, unlike previous projects, the newer conductive inks can be screen-printed or laminated on clothing using technology that is available in almost any textile mill And underwear.

Barros pointed out that ordinary smartphones can be damaged by being mistakenly placed in the washing machine for washing, and the new ink can withstand at least 100 washings.

Another technology already in use is conductive yarn, which is made of metal that penetrates the fibers of the clothing. Akseli Reho, CEO of Wearable Technology Design Company Clothing +, said conductive yarns are more flexible and more comfortable than printable inks, while the latter can provide a platform for embedding silicon chips in clothes.

New clothes

Although the fashion trends of clothing are constantly changing, the main function of clothing, a very old technology, has not changed so far. "I think the last major invention of clothes is the pocket." Reho said to the media.

However, with the birth of smart shirts, smart underwear, smart bicycle pants, smart socks, etc., this situation is about to change. These smart clothes are only a little more expensive than ordinary clothes.

Reho said the new smart sensing technology can bring a series of new uses to clothing, such as highly accurate and sustainable heart rate monitoring-they are very important for accurately measuring the wearer's calorie consumption, recovery time and exercise .

He added that clothing may one day be used in clinical applications to more closely monitor patients' health and even predict or avoid health crises.

Barros pointed out that unlike existing motion tracking devices, new electronic components can be embedded in anything worn by humans.