Dressed to Compute

Imagine a shirt that can solve math problems, run machine learning algorithms, or monitor the health of the individual wearing it. Right about now you might be thinking “That does not compute!” But actually, that is exactly what it does. Just recently, a group led by researchers at MIT has described the development of a programmable computer that fits snugly inside an elastic fiber. Fibers of this sort can be incorporated into shirts, pants, and more to produce comfortable, intelligent articles of clothing.

Before you head off into la-la land, let me assure you that the researchers have not, in fact, invented a new type of fiber-based semiconducting material. Rather, their methods rely heavily on the miniaturization of traditional electronic components that has already occurred in recent years. They have devised a technique to fabricate fibers with these tiny chips embedded in them, which accounts for difficult issues like wiring, power delivery, and durability. Their approach makes these fibers practical for inclusion in clothing, and they are even machine-washable.

Unlike traditional wearables such as smartwatches, which monitor a single point on the body, this new fiber computer can be woven throughout garments, providing a much broader and more detailed picture of human physiology. The fiber contains microdevices like sensors, microcontrollers, storage, and Bluetooth modules, all embedded within a stretchable thermoplastic elastomer casing.

To solve the challenge of fitting flat electronic chips inside a cylindrical fiber, the researchers developed what they call the "maki" folding technique. This involves wrapping the microdevices into a compact cylinder using a flexible circuit board called an interposer. Helical copper wires are then used to connect all the components, ensuring stable power delivery and data transmission. The entire structure is drawn into a thin, flexible fiber using a thermal drawing process, reducing its size while maintaining full functionality.

In one experiment, the team stitched fiber computers into shirts and leggings, running them along the arms and legs of test subjects. Each fiber executed a machine learning model trained to recognize physical activities, such as squats and lunges. When operating independently, these fibers achieved an accuracy rate of about 70% in identifying movements. However, when the fibers communicated with each other, accuracy jumped to 95%, demonstrating the power of interconnected smart textiles.

The fiber computer’s first major field test will take place in the Arctic, where U.S. Army and Navy personnel will wear garments embedded with the technology during a 1,000-kilometer, month-long expedition. In temperatures as low as -40°F, the computing fibers will monitor soldiers’ health, tracking signs of hypothermia and fatigue while providing critical data for future applications.

While more research is needed to ensure durability in everyday use, the possibilities for this technology are vast. From monitoring health to improving safety in extreme environments, MIT’s fiber computing technology has the potential to redefine how we interact with our clothing — and how our clothing interacts with us.