ETH Zurich researchers have developed SonoTextiles, integrating acoustic waves into glass fibers to create smart fabrics capable of monitoring health metrics. This innovation promises lightweight, breathable and cost-effective wearable technology.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have made a significant breakthrough in the field of smart textiles, presenting what could be the future of wearable technology — SonoTextiles. These textiles leverage acoustic waves and glass fibers to monitor health metrics such as breathing, providing a lightweight, breathable and cost-effective alternative to electronically-based smart fabrics.
Innovating With Acoustic Waves
The research team, led by Daniel Ahmed, a professor of acoustic robotics for life sciences and healthcare, has moved away from traditional electronic sensors.
Instead, they have embedded acoustic sensors within glass fibers woven into regular fabric. These fibers are equipped with tiny transmitters and receivers, making the smart textiles highly effective yet inexpensive.
“They are also inexpensive because we use readily available materials, and the power consumption is very low,” Ahmed said in a news release.
Unlike earlier attempts at smart clothing that often faced issues with signal processing and data overload, SonoTextiles operate on a novel principle. Each glass fiber emits sound waves at a unique frequency, requiring minimal computing power to interpret changes in the waves caused by movement or pressure.
This innovation tackles the inherent challenges of data processing in smart textiles.
Pioneering Precision
First author Yingqiang Wang elaborated on the significant advancement in the study published in Nature Electronics.
“While research has already been conducted into smart textiles based on acoustics, we are the first to explore the use of glass fiber in combination with signals that use different frequencies,” Wang added.
The glass fibers in SonoTextiles alter the length of acoustic waves as they move, allowing the fabric to sense touch, pressure and movement, data that can eventually be transmitted to computers or smartphones in real-time.
Versatile Applications
In laboratory settings, the researchers have demonstrated the practicality of SonoTextiles.
Future applications could be expansive, ranging from health care to interactive garments. For instance, a T-shirt made from SonoTextiles could monitor an asthma patient’s breathing and alert them in case of an emergency.
The use of frequencies in the ultrasonic range, especially around 100 kilohertz, ensures that the sounds are well beyond human hearing capability, thus seamlessly integrating into daily life without perceptible noise.
Future Prospects
The release of this pioneering technology opens a plethora of opportunities, specifically in the medical field, where real-time monitoring could revolutionize patient care. The introduction of SonoTextiles signifies a future where smart clothing is not only practical but also ubiquitous, potentially transforming how we interact with the clothes we wear every day.
“SonoTextiles could even measure a person’s posture and improve their quality of life as an assistive technology,” added co-first author Chaochao Sun.
By combining readily available materials with advanced acoustic technology, ETH Zurich’s researchers have charted a new course for wearable tech, emphasizing efficiency, cost-effectiveness and user comfort.
As the technology evolves, one can anticipate broader adaptability and new, innovative applications.
Source: ETH Zurich