by Bob Larson
It’s hard to believe we may soon be wearing clothing that will monitor our health. When coupled with a smartphone, anyone can monitor their vital signs via the high tech clothing. This could be better than having a doctor live with you!
Several companies across the world have been working on high tech clothing capable of transmitting your vital signs to your smartphone or tablet. If the clothing sensors detect a problem with your vital signs, it will let you know the problem and when to call your doctor or visit the emergency room ASAP!
The technology is based on the use of conductive yarns — most commonly made with silver — which are woven into fabrics to act as sensors that detect electrical signals, acting as electrocardiograms (ECGs) and electromyograms (EMGs) to measure heart rate and muscle activity respectively. The information can also be uploaded to the cloud or sent directly to your doctor.
Several vendors, SmartLife and CircuiteX in England, have launched their intelligent clothing lines comprised of sport bras, shorts, and t-shirts for both sexes (shown here) recently capable of monitoring vital signs with the help of an app in your smartphone. Another vendor, Finland based Clothing Plus is doing the same with similar clothing.
On the horizon are temperature and other sensors for U.S. and European firefighters and muscle wasting sensors for astronauts living in the International Space Station designed by Danish based company Ohmatex. This is another example of technology enhancing our lives!
~ Bob Larson is a technologist, photo journalist, and Marketing Director for 50Plus Media Solutions.