Smart Clothing

Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) group recently partnered with Levi Strauss & Co. to launch Project Jacquard, an initiative aimed at taking smart clothing to a whole new level.

Using a combination of metallic alloys and natural and synthetic fibers, they have created a conductive yarn that is sensitive to touch and/or gestures. It can be woven directly into the fabric or used to create sensor arrays throughout a garment to capture signals, which are then transmitted wirelessly to a smartphone or other mobile device.

The applications are as limitless as the apps that will run them – GPS, directions, notifications, text messages, and much more. Eventually conductive fabrics could even be incorporated into wearable devices that monitor physiological parameters such as heart rate, temperature and oxygenation.