ابداع محققان سنگاپور: فیبرهای الکترونیکی که آستین لباس را به نمایشگر لمسی تبدیل می‌کنند [تماشا کنید]

Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a type of electronic fiber that can turn clothing fabric into a flexible and touch-sensitive display. This technology enables the display of images and videos, finger touch response, and wireless connection to digital devices without the need for a separate rigid screen. The prototype of this technology maintained its performance almost entirely even after being washed 50 times in a washing machine.

The research group, led by Tural Khudiyev, an assistant professor at NUS, used 54 fibers containing electronic components in the forearm section of a sleeve. Each fiber includes LED microchips and touch-sensitive layers. Together, these strands create a display with a resolution of 96 by 54 pixels and dimensions of 168 by 105 millimeters, updating at a rate of 30 frames per second.

This display can broadcast photos and videos, run calculator and compass applications, and receive images via Bluetooth. Additionally, other strands in the clothing are used to embed microphones, speakers, and sensors for motion, temperature, magnetic orientation, and ambient light. For instance, a sensor placed under the arm can measure body temperature and display the reading directly on the sleeve.

Building complex circuits within a narrow strand is challenging due to its cylindrical shape and limited space. To solve this problem, researchers devised a method that allows thousands of electronic components to be connected along a single fiber. Using a laser, they expose specific points on insulated wires and then use molten solder to create the necessary electrical connections. In this way, more than 5,000 chips were connected through over 20,000 electrical connections.

In the structure of this fiber, the touch-sensitive layer is located beneath the LEDs. When a user touches the strand, the electrical circuit is completed at the contact point, allowing the system to detect the touch location and illuminate the nearest pixel. Thus, image display and touch detection occur within the strand itself rather than through separate electronic components attached to the clothing.

Researchers state that after 50 washes with detergent and a thousand bendings of the fiber, the brightness and touch performance of the display remained nearly unchanged. Furthermore, the breathability of the fabric was comparable to cotton, polyester, and denim, and the product fell within established safety limits for skin contact.

In the future, this technology could be used in garments that collect health information through embedded sensors and display it directly on the fabric. However, personalized health monitoring with the help of artificial intelligence remains beyond the proven capabilities of the current prototype. The researchers plan to increase the display resolution, add more sensors, and explore the possibility of running artificial intelligence directly on the clothing.

The researchers published the details of this study in the journal Nature.