Chinese researchers have developed "display textile" made of smart electronic fabric. (Photo provided to China News Serivce)
(ECNS) -- Chinese researchers have integrated the fabrication of display devices with the fabric weaving process, taking wearable technology a step further.
Made of smart electronic fabric, the "display textiles" can function similar to a display through which people can browse information, send and receive messages.
The textiles weave conductive weft and luminescent warp fibers to form micrometer-scale electroluminescent units at the weft–warp contact points.
During scientific polar expeditions or geological explorations, a tap on the soft clothing will display the location information in real time, and mapped navigation can be guided by it.
People with speech difficulties can communicate and express themselves efficiently and conveniently with clothing made of the textiles.
The display textiles are flexible and breathable and withstands repeated machine-washing, making it suitable for practical applications, said Professor Peng Huisheng from Fudan University, who led the research team.
This fabric is expected to promote rapid integration and development of traditional textile manufacturing and Internet of Things, human-computer interaction, big data and artificial intelligence, said Peng.
The research results were published online in the journal Nature on Thursday.
