Smart Clothing Enables Device Control Through Finger Movements without Physical Contact

Touch-sensitive clothing has already been explored for device control through touchscreen-like taps and swipes on fabric. While impressive, this technology has its limitations. A new “touchless” fabric, however, detects finger gestures without requiring direct contact.

Scientists from Nottingham Trent University (UK), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Germany), and the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy) are collaboratively developing the experimental textile.

How It Works

If integrated into clothing, this technology could allow users to control devices—such as turning on appliances, answering calls, or operating smart TVs—simply by moving their index finger above the fabric.

In the current prototype, the system relies on a ring with a small (3 x 5 mm) magnet worn on the index finger. This magnet generates a field that influences the electrical resistance of four magnetoresistive sensors woven into a polyester sleeve. A microprocessor analyzes how the magnetic field alters each sensor’s resistance, enabling it to track the finger’s real-time position in three-dimensional space.

Different finger gestures correspond to specific commands, which are transmitted to a connected device wirelessly. In testing, users could navigate a VR environment by turning or moving forward with simple finger movements.

Durable, Washable Sensors Seamlessly Integrated into Fabric

Each sensor consists of a polyimide foil sheet coated with layers of copper and cobalt. This sheet is rolled around a thin electrical wire and enclosed in a polyester sheath, forming a flexible braid that is woven into the fabric. In lab tests, the sensors remained functional even after seven machine-wash cycles.

Unlike capacitive textile sensors, which require direct touch, these touchless sensors are more durable and flexible, making smart clothing more comfortable to wear. Capacitive sensors are also prone to accidental activation when rubbing against the skin and do not function properly in wet conditions, such as rain or during intense physical activity—limitations that the new design overcomes.

“Our design could revolutionize electronic textiles for both specialized and everyday clothing,” said Dr. Pasindu Lugoda of Nottingham Trent University. “It is machine washable, durable, and does not affect the fabric’s drape or overall aesthetic.”

The research was recently published in Communications Engineering.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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