Sensors printed on fabrics for health and fitness tracking

The Fraunhofer Institute have developed flexible, transparent sensors that can be printed directly onto fitness wear.

For many, the most appealing fitness tracker is one that is the least intrusive, and we have previously seen health trackers that double as jewelry. Now, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have developed flexible, transparent sensors that can be printed directly onto fitness wear and act as an exercise tracker.

The sensors are made up of piezolectric polymers, which can be screen printed onto fabrics in any pattern. An electric field is used to align the polymers so that when the garment is subjected to pressure, a small current is generated. The sensors register pressure and deformation, enabling the clothing to gather data about motion and changes in temperature.

The system will be tested using a prototype called the MONI shirt. The Fraunhofer Institute envision the technology being used in both fitness and health tracking. How else could sensor-embedded fabrics be used?