Softwear, Literally – Clothes Are Becoming Digital Computers

With the advent of new technology, there are more and more small businesses specializing in computer and consulting services for today’s business environment. There was a time not too long ago when the thought of a computerized shirt able to transmit information like heart health, body temperature and stress index seemed like science fiction. The idea Computerized clothes could change design, automatically lifting or lowering hems, light up at night, change with the weather and interface with other clothes seemed absurd. Computer technology continues to evolve, pushed forward by updated materials and size reduction of components. Someday soon a man may walk into a computer repair shop and ask if anyone can fix his pants. Someday a computer might be a lap top, a hand held device or a pair of shoes. Flexible light weight materials are bringing a new meaning to the term soft wear.

Over the last decade there has been the introduction of metallic yarn, fiber that has been imbued with conductive capabilities, leading to the development of digital fabric. This fabric can be used to create clothing that can support computer functions. With the introduction of nano technology and flexible circuitry institutions and companies have begun exploring the possibility of introducing capabilities into the clothing we wear. The possibilities are endless and applications are already being introduced.

Imagine a shirt that can record and transmit vital signs, location and mobility. If someone has a heart condition, the shirt could act as a virtual nurse, monitoring the heart and even administering medication. A shirt could keep track of the heart beat, its tempo, strength and consistency. If there is a problem it could send out a wireless signal to a practitioner who would be able to follow up with a call or maybe a text message to the sleeve. A sensor could inform an implanted medical capsule to release a dose of medicine for a patient. Or perhaps it can offer an early warning alarm if the persons pulse is showing troubling signs, like maybe the buttons could start glowing red.

An athlete may wear a track suit that can record his strides, heartbeats, muscle contractions and various other bits of information that can benefit his or her training. Shoes can record the distance and number of steps. They could even be designed to adjust to various terrain or demand. Perhaps wireless signals could be sent out so an athlete in one part of the country could train with an athlete in another part of the country. Perhaps someday clothes would be able to record their surroundings and project them on the fiber making for the ultimate camouflage. There are already musical jackets and clothes that can light up and change color as the wearer moves.