Singapore scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in wearable technologies by developing a new method for creating flexible fibers with integrated semiconductor components. This development could serve as the foundation for the smart clothing of the future. The study, led by Van Van Technological University, was published in the journal Nature and represents a significant advancement over current production methods that often encounter problems with defects in the semiconductor cores of threads.
The key innovation lies in a technique that enables the integration of microscopic semiconductor elements within the fibers, allowing for their ability to perceive, communicate, and interact with one another. This is achieved by encasing the semiconductor materials within glass tubes, which are subsequently heated and stretched into thin threads. After removing the glass using acid, the wires are placed in polymer tubes alongside metal wires and heated once more, transforming them into threads capable of detecting and processing signals over hundreds of meters.
To showcase the potential of this technology, the team of scientists created a functional hat-bini hat that can assist individuals with visual impairments by interacting with a mobile application to process signals received from the cap. This breakthrough opens up the possibility of creating functional fabrics and clothing capable of sensory perception, adaptability, energy transformation, and calculations. Such developments have the potential to revolutionize human interaction with the environment, providing a fully immersive everyday experience.
Researchers highlight that this technology could become a crucial element in the development of integrated human-machine systems, enabling the seamless integration of smart clothing with existing computer equipment. This approach presents exciting opportunities for a new generation of smart wearables that allow people to effortlessly interact with the outside world.