Softwear, Really: Garments Are Becoming Digital Computers

Nov.06, 2009 in Technology and Gadgets

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 develop, pushed forward by new materials and size reduction of components. In the not to distant future a man may walk into a Long Island computer repair shop and ask if anyone can fix his pants. Someday a Long Island computer might be a lap top, a hand held or a pair of shoes. Flexible light weight materials|Light and pliable resources} are bringing a new meaning to the term soft ware.

Over the last decade there has been the introduction of metallic yarn, fiber that has conductive qualities, leading to the development of digital fabric. This fabric can be used to design clothing that can support computer functions. With the introduction of nano technology and flexible circuitry institutions and companies have begun creating prototypes of cyberwear. The possibilities are endless and applications are already being introduced.

Envision a shirt that can log and broadcast vital signs, location and mobility. If a person has heart trouble, the shirt could function like a digital caretaker, monitoring the heart and even administering medication. A piece of clothing could monitor a 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 the patient. Or perhaps it can offer an early warning alarm if the persons vital signs show trouble, 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 data that can benefit his or her training. Shoes can record the distance and number of steps. They could even be designed to adjust to shifting terrain or demand. Wireless signals could be transmitted so an athlete in one part of the country could share a workout with an athlete in another part of the country. Perhaps someday clothes will be able to record their surroundings and project them on the fiber making for the ultimate camouflage. Currently there are musical jackets and outfits that can light up and change color as the wearer moves.

Cyberwear is coming. It will have many uses from entertainment and fashion, to medical and military. Cyberwear clothing is not fantasy. Cyberwears’ uses are limited only by imagination. Know-how is developing fast enough to make nearly any computer fashion dream a reality.