About six years ago I was excited about research into smart and connected fabrics, especially what the next generation could be, as materials evolved. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since the first steps in the world of smart fabrics with Google Jaquard, and today Microsoft arrives to relaunch the theme.
Just this week, the tech giant founded by Bill Gates filed a patent called “Smart Fabric That Recognizes Objects and Touch Input” (I link it here).
In other words, Microsoft is developing smart fabrics that can recognize and identify objects in its vicinity.
We still have to define the boundaries of a smart fabric
We got rusty about it, and repetita iuvant: so I tell you that a smart fabric is a fabric that incorporates technology. Which? Sensors, circuits and more, both in the structure and in its functions.
In the specific case presented by Microsoft, the patent concerns the fabric in the pocket of jeans. It contains layers and layers of sensors that make the suit capable of recognizing an object or gesture, and systems that process the data that the suit collects. In summary. It observes, receives data, processes it and transmits it. Smart fabric in the full sense of the term, right?
As you can imagine, artificial intelligence has a hand in this new version. To be precise, there is a machine learning module that does not limit itself to processing the gestures of the person wearing the item of clothing, or the objects with which it comes into contact. It also develops predictive models that "train" the dress to be increasingly precise in recognizing gestures and objects.
What objects?
Sorry, I thought you understood. The ones in your pocket, of course. Having a jacket that allows us to keep an "inventory" of what we carry with us, or warns us if our precious keys or wallet are no longer inside, is one of the first applications.
If you also consider the possibilities of remote payment, you will understand why Microsoft (also) has been interested in smart fabrics and smart clothing for some time. It has been filing patents since the early years of the last decade. Like this one, for example:
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The current patent is a kind of extension of the 2020 Microsoft project called Capacitive, in which a smart fabric tablecloth identifies foods, such as specific fruit items placed on the table, or even liquids inside glasses. Do you remember it?
At what point is this technology?
There are no restrictions when it comes to smart fabrics. The many projects already in the pipeline include include smart bandages that can track and heal wounds, t-shirts that monitor the heart rate and real digital fabrics. However, there are few real applications in the consumer market.
Interest in the topic has increased, the technology has improved and perhaps the time is ripe for a grand launch of smart fabrics. A strong player like Microsoft could help in this sense: perhaps by integrating these fabrics into products accessible to the public.
While waiting to wear this piece of the future too, we will keep you informed of all the news.
