Researchers at ETH Zurich, led by Professor Daniel Ahmed, have developed SonoTextiles, innovative fabrics that use sound waves passed through glass fibers to detect movement, touch, and pressure.
SonoTextiles offer more precise measurements, lighter and more breathable fabrics, and are easier to wash compared to traditional smart fabrics that use electronics.
The integration of glass fibers into the fabric allows SonoTextiles to measure subtle movements, making them useful for health monitoring, sports training, sign language communication, posture correction, and more.
While there are durability challenges with glass fibers, the research team is working on making the technology more robust and seamless for everyday clothing use, representing a significant advancement in smart clothing technology.