Researchers of the University of Oulu, in partnership with VTT Research Center and Polar Electro, developed a new system of electrodes that can be implemented into our clothing and withstand our daily routines.
The Phys.org website quoted Professor Rafal Sliz, the leader of this study, saying: "This work brings us one step closer to smart clothing, where our apparel, in addition to monitoring our health and surrounding environment, will be changing its appearance and properties accordingly to our wishes."
The results published in the Flexible Electronics journal provide new insights into novel methods of fabrication of inexpensive and reliable electrodes that are essential for smart clothing.
"The new electrode technology is relatively similar to newspaper printing processes," said VTT researcher Olli-Heikki Huttunen.
Sliz emphasized the ability to implement the results to create sustainable smart clothing, where environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials can replace plastics and harmful substances.
"Although electronic devices have surrounded us for a long time, their applicability in clothing has been limited by inflexibility and vulnerability to changing conditions we face daily. This research shows how to resolve these limitations," said co-author Tapio Fabritius.
