Scientists from the University of Bristol and the University of Bath have collaborated to develop a new technology called ‘SeamSleeve’ that can create clothes capable of capturing and recording body movements. This groundbreaking technology involves adding conductive threads into the seams of garments to produce electrical circuits. These circuits change resistance based on the movements of the wearer, providing precise body movement information.
The aim of ‘SeamSleeve’ is to outperform existing devices like smartphones and smartwatches in sensing body motion. By efficiently monitoring and analyzing physical activities, this wearable technology is designed to enhance exercise, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. The University of Bristol presented this study at the Designing Interactive Systems (DIS) conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Professor Mike Fraser of the University of Bristol’s School of Computer Science explained that the design of ‘SeamSleeve’ allows for movement sensing without the need for a separate power source. The seams are paired with a charging coil that draws energy wirelessly from a mobile phone placed in the pocket. When low voltage passes through the threads, the resistance changes with the wearer’s movements, allowing the fabric to sense and record posture changes.
Recorded data is then transmitted to the wearer’s mobile phone for analysis. Advanced motion sensing garments can be produced without altering existing manufacturing processes, making this technology accessible and practical. Smartphone apps utilizing artificial intelligence techniques can use this movement data to match body movements with specific postures or gestures, such as physiotherapeutic exercises.