Currently, when it comes to “wearable” devices, most users will think of the Smartwatch lines as AppleWatch, Galaxy Gear, Moto 360... or other health supporting devices like Fitbit, Nike Fuelband... Especially, we have Google glass or Oculus Rift virtual reality device. The explosion of these “wearable” devices offers huge revenue for manufacturers with about 18 million dollars this year. But this is not the end of the development of technology to create smart appliances.
With the help of these smart devices, we now have been able to communicate, synchronize data, monitor the health parameters, but if you do not like wearable devices that support health, if you do not like smart watches or Google glass, can you have another choice? The answer now is entirely possible when wearable technology is pushed up a new phase: The smart suits.
D-Shirt
The first project referred to is Cityzen Sciences project with D-Shirt product. Inside this shirt has motion sensor; speed, breathing rate, heart rate measurement device and GPS navigation system. Developed from 2012, this project focuses on developing smart fabric that allows the performance of many high-tech tasks but remains friendly with wearers’ skin.
Visijax Commuter Jacket
Meanwhile, a different development project from Visijax focuses on creating a safety jacket for cyclists. Named Visijax Commuter Jacket, this shirt is covered with a Teflon layer that helps waterproof while still ensuring adequate ventilation when using. Of course, if just so, this is not something that deserves to be called a “wearables”. What unique in this shirt is the LEDs mounted on it. LED lights will operate automatically whenever you move on the road, when you turn signal out to the side... This product is expected to make cycling in anywhere in the world safer.
However, not only at CES we can admire the new technology for wearables. A recent project called LikeAGlove is a good example for that. With the aim of solving the problem called online shopping but not sure if the item will fit or not, LikeAGlove designs a shirt with the ability to collect the necessary number of your measurements as shoulders, waist... then send that information to their software. Your job is then simply choosing an outfit that fit your measurements without the slightest fear that it will not fit. This project is expected to be on sale early next year.
Whether designed for what purpose, smart clothes still has many problems to be solved (such as energy use). However, with the invention of the smart fabrics and applying them to the garment, there is no reason for us to not wait for a bright future of smart clothes. Now, let’s continue to watch over the development of the technology and enjoy it.
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