E-Textiles and Artificial Intelligence
Electronic textiles and artificial intelligence might be the most interesting crossover to hit the industry in recent years. But how are these two technologies working together, and what does this mean for the future of wearables and robotics?
In a recent report titled “Emerging AI Technologies Inspiring the Next Generation of E-Textiles,” several experts in the areas of embedded systems communications, smart materials, computing, and physics explore just how artificial intelligence can bring new dimension to e-textiles, and help wearable technologies meet everchanging industry and consumer needs. The five experts who authored this report call on the textile sector to look at artificial intelligence as a legitimate means to “stimulate new and innovative embedded intelligence advancements.” They believe AI can enhance e-textiles, not take away from their already impressive capabilities.
The next generation of e-textiles, they predict, will consist of AI technologies paired with nanotechnology elements that adapt to the body. For example, an e-textile that communicates with the neural network and produces data points. If we want to look way into the future, we could potentially use this to create a wearable that interprets dreams—or something to that level. Another application for AI in e-textiles is to store data. The report gives an example of a smart garment that stores a passcode. When the sleeve of the garment is swiped in front of the door, access is granted.
It is possible that AI could work together with robotics to be deployed in e-textiles standards testing. Both technologies could assess qualities such as stretch, washability, and electrical resistance. These are tests normally conducted by human hands, but could be expedited in the future by a robotics system that uses AI.
Several companies are taking notice of this technological pairing and have already developed products. QOOWEAR, a safety workwear company, has creared thermal workwear that is powered by AI. This is the world’s first heating garment controlled by AI, and automatically changes its temperature to protect workers from sub-zero temperatures.
The number of large companies and corporations with patents in AI-enabled wearable tech has grown exponentially. 15 companies, including Intel, Microsoft, and Nike have registered patents in the space. What those patents are, we have no idea. But Nike, for example, has recently registered patents for athletic performance sensing and footwear data transmission, so we can only assume whatever they have brewing is game-changing.
There are plenty of skeptics when it comes to AI. Questions like “Will AI take over civilization?” and. “Is there privacy with AI?” loom. We can’t answer the first question because well, we do not know how far AI will go. Frankly, few people truly know with certainty as to what the future of AI holds. What we can say is: Like any technology, there is a risk of data breaches. However, most commercially-available AI products have data protection in place and there are many softwares on the market to ensure user privacy.
AI is clearly not going anywhere anytime soon, and it is only a matter of time before the technology infiltrates the wearables/e-textiles industries. How do you feel about this?
Other Reads You Might Enjoy:
E-Textiles Are More Than Fashion
Electronic Textiles: An Ingredient for Impactful Innovation
New IPC Standards for E-Textiles
The Commercialization of E-Textiles
Soft Robotics: What They Are and How To Use Them