Our Clothes are Getting Smarter

Wearable displays have already gone in other directions that head-up systems and wired sunglasses. France Telecom R&D has invented a screen made of woven optical fibres that can be integrated with standard textiles. This mean's that your t-shirt, scarf or backpack will enable text, artwork, static or animated images, music videos and advertising logos - probably the most viable market entry point for the technology - to be downloaded and viewed on an in-built screen that will also act as a wireless interface to communications networks like the internet. A prototype design unveiled the Avantex 2002 international trade show is intended to attract interest from various sectors including emergency services, the media automotive manufacturers and furniture designers.

The ultimate goal of this research is to combine high-level voice recognition with the visual component to produce true "hands-free" connectivity and do away with any need to carry a mobile or PDA - you just wear it.

Voice recognition development at France Telecom R&D is highlighted by the "phone jacket" concept. Currently in testing, the prototype features a lightweight (100 g), flat telephone sewn into the jacket's lining and a microphone in the collar. The user can dial using voice commands or access a keypad in the button flap but otherwise the device is hidden from view.In addition to its collaboration with Nike on wearable MP3's and performance monitoring electronics targeted at athletes, Philips' Design and Research arms have released "New Nomads", an illustration of potential applications for new textile technology.

These include "No Kidding" - interactive clothing for children that gives parents piece of mind via on-board mobile phone and mini-cam and enhances playtime for kids by creating scenarios like virtual hide-and-seek where kids can digitally track their friends - and "In the Mix", which will allow DJ's to escape from behind the desk and participate with the audience while still controlling the beats through fully wearable controls.

Sensors in "e-clubwear" as it's called, might also give the audience a chance to "feel back on the DJ", interacting through lights and sounds, but hopefully not destroying the ambience in the process.This emphasis on relaxation as well as information is best displayed by the New Nomads "Feels Good" kimono that contains a conductive fibres able to relax the wearer by sending small electrostatic charge into the body. Levels of stimulation are controlled by a device inside the pocket or are adjusted automatically based on feedback from bio-sensors measuring the degree of relaxation.

The JoyDress or VibraDress by Italian stylist Dr. Alexandra Fede is another feel-good application to emerge from Avantex 2002. Designed as an evening or career dress, the garment conceals a series of flexible "vibrapads" that can be user controlled or activated randomly to massage, relax and promote a feeling of well-being.

No matter what guise they take on, Smart Clothes will soon become the rule, not the exception. According research from the Venture Development Corporation (VDC), the wearable computer market is expected to top $US550 per annum worldwide in 2005, up from an estimated US$70 million in 2001. This is supported by findings from Gartner Research indicating that 60 % of the population in developed countries are likely to own a communicating garment by 2010.