The University of Bristol and the University of Bath have come together to develop a revolutionary new technology called ‘SeamSleeve’ that can create clothes capable of capturing and recording body movements. This cutting-edge technology involves adding conductive threads into the seams of garments, which creates electrical circuits. These circuits change resistance based on the movements of the wearer, providing precise information about body movement.
The goal of ‘SeamSleeve’ is to outdo 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 from the University of Bristol’s School of Computer Science explained that ‘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.
This breakthrough technology could have significant implications for healthcare professionals who work with patients who require regular monitoring of their physical activities during rehabilitation or therapy sessions. With ‘SeamSleeve,’ patients can easily track their progress without needing additional devices or equipment.
Overall, ‘SeamSleeve’ represents an exciting development in wearable technology that has the potential to revolutionize how we monitor and analyze physical activity in various fields.
In summary, scientists from two universities have collaborated to create a new piece of technology called ‘SeamSleeve’ that uses conductive threads added into seams to produce electrical circuits capable of capturing and recording body movements. This groundbreaking technology aims to outperform existing devices by efficiently monitoring physical activities while enhancing exercise, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
