EPFL develops a smart textile technology

A team at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne have developed a smart textile technology which can be used to create anything from hospital bedsheets to observe patients movements to intelligent clothing.

The innovation is based on a uniquely developed sensor that can identify different types of fabric deformation. The fibre sensor is advantageous over fragile conventional sensors, which can only detect one kind of deformation.

The team developed the fibres using an optical fibre fabrication process and liquid metal as a conductor.

Andreas Leber, Doctoral Assistant, stated: “Our technology works similar to a radar but it sends out electrical impulses instead of electromagnetic waves. The system measures the time between when a signal is sent out and when it’s received and uses that to determine the exact location, type and intensity of deformation. The structure is just a few micrometres thick and has to be perfect, otherwise it won’t work.”

Professor Fabien Sorin, project lead, stated: “The trick was to create transmission lines made entirely of flexible materials, using a simple method that can be scaled up easily,”