Washable touchless technology could transform electronic textiles

A team of researchers from Nottingham Trent University, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V. (Germany) and Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy) has created washable and durable magnetic field-sensing electronic textiles—thought to be the first of their kind—which they say paves the way to transform use in clothing.

In a new study published in Communications Engineering, the researchers reveal how tiny flexible and highly responsive “magnetoresistive” sensors can be placed within braided textile yarns compatible with conventional textile manufacturing.

The textile can be operated by the user across a variety of functions through the use of a ring or glove, which would require a miniature magnet. The sensors are seamlessly integrated within the textile, allowing the position of the sensors to be indicated using dyeing or embroidering, acting as touchless controls or “buttons.”

The technology, which could even be in the form of a textile-based keyboard, can be integrated into clothing and other textiles and can work underwater and across weather conditions.

Importantly, the researchers argue, it is not prone to accidental activation, unlike some capacitive sensors in textiles and textile-based switches.

By integrating the technology into everyday clothing, people would be able to interact with computers, smartphones, watches and other smart devices, transforming their clothes into a wearable human-computer interface.

The technology could be applied to areas such as temperature or safety controls for specialized clothing, gaming, or interactive fashion—such as allowing users to use simple gestures to control LEDs or other illuminating devices embedded in textiles.

The study involved demonstrating the technology for a variety of uses, including a functional armband allowing navigational control in a virtual reality environment, and a self-monitoring safety strap for a motorcycle helmet.

It is thought to be the first time that washable magnetic sensors have been unobtrusively integrated within textiles to be used for human-computer interactions.

Researchers from Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology and Nottingham School of Art & Design were involved in the study.

“Our design could revolutionize electronic textiles for both specialized and everyday clothing,” said lead researcher Dr. Pasindu Lugoda, who is based in Nottingham Trent University’s Department of Engineering.

He explained, “Tactile sensors on textiles vary in usefulness as accidental activation occurs when they rub or brush against surfaces. Touchless interaction reduces wear and tear. Importantly, our technology is designed for everyday use. It is machine-washable and durable and does not impact the drape, or overall aesthetic appeal of the textile.”

A corresponding author on the paper, Dr. Theo Hughes-Riley, based in Nottingham Trent University’s Advanced Textiles Research Group, said, “Electronic textiles are becoming increasingly popular with wide-ranging uses, but the fusion of electronic functionality and textile fabrics can be very challenging. Electronic textiles have evolved and now rely on soft and flexible materials that are robust enough to endure washing and bending, but which are intuitive and reliable.”

Kalana Marasinghe, another Nottingham Trent University researcher on the project, added, “Our design introduces a novel approach to interactive wearables, including applications in conventionally unlikely environments.”