Intelligent heated jacket activates using voice control

The jacket is equipped with a thermostat that allows wearers to use a voice connected feature to control it.

As wearable tech becomes increasingly common, we have seen a variety of clothing able to adapt to suit the wearer’s body temperature. For example, the Chromat Aero Sports Bra which opens 3D printed air vents to cool the wearer down as their body temperature rises. Another example is the cold weather wear designed by Polar Seal which keeps wearers warm by integrating lightweight heating pads into their garments. The Boston-based company Ministry of Supply have gone step further and designed an advanced wearable technology, claiming to be the first intelligent heated jacket.

The company launched in 2013 and aims to take a more scientific approach to design. Ministry of Supply focuses on clothing that is both comfortable and fashionable. Their most recent product, the Mercury Intelligent Heated Jacket, features built-in heaters which are virtually weightless. The heaters are controlled to a smart thermostat. This will react to the temperature of where the wearer is, but also learns the user’s preferences over time. A two-layer waterproof breathable membrane keeps the wearer dry in rainy weather, while S. Cafe insulation uses coffee beans to absorb and neutralize odor. The pockets of the jacket can be used to warm up your hands while also allowing you to charge your phone wirelessly using the jacket’s battery pack.

In addition to all of these functions, the jacket is convenient and machine-washable. The jacket can also be activated via the wearer’s voice through Amazon Alexa, meaning that the user can give spoken instructions regarding the temperature they want. Currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter, the company aims to ship the product to backers in November 2018.

As wearable technology advances, will consumers only require one smart item of clothing in the future? How else could wearable tech become a part of our everyday lives?