Open Navigation

IEEE.org IEEE Xplore Digital Library IEEE Standards IEEE Spectrum More Sites

IEEE Transmitter Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Open Search
Open Navigation
Open Search

July 10, 2017

Heart rate monitors and fitness trackers are able to track your heart rate but you have to remember to put on the devices. These stand alone heart rate monitors might become a thing of the past now that scientists have developed fibers that can be woven into clothing and used as sensors.  

The newly developed polymer optical fibers are flexible and can be woven into clothing. The sensors in the fibers can track your heart rate when it comes in contact with bare skin. Scientists created the fibers by melting and spinning a polymer that transmits light-based data with a polymer that is a coating. The greatest part? The fibers are machine washable.

A heart rate monitor embedded in clothing could be an exciting tool for use in hospitals. Having a sensor-equipped hospital gown can monitor a patient’s vitals without causing them pain. While this technology may make its first appearance in the medical field, it could eventually end up in your closet as part of the consumer electronics landscape.

Image: Empa

Related Stories

Read more about The Integration of Enhanced Connectivity and Wearables to Support the Evolution of Telemedicine

Health Technology | 3 years ago

The Integration of Enhanced Connectivity and Wearables to Support the Evolution of Telemedicine

Read more about Laying the Groundwork for the Future of Telehealth

Health Technology | 3 years ago

Laying the Groundwork for the Future of Telehealth

ai nurses

Health Technology | 5 years ago

AI Nurses Are Making Your Hospital Stay A Little More Comfortable

rural patients with doctor

Health Technology | 5 years ago

3 Ways Future Health Technologies Will Help Rural Patients Receive The Care They Need

INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES

Close Navigation