WearTec

Solestrom swimwear is offering a bikini that measures and displays UV intensity via a little device integrated in the bikini panties. The bikini looks cool, similar to the one that was worn by one of the early 007 Bond girls. However I’m not quite sure how useful the UV meter will actually be, unless you know your skin type and how long it is safe for you to stay in the sun, depending on the UV intensity.
The bikini is available in silver, black, and white.

Solestrom also has a second bikini that shows you UV intensity on the plastic attachments of the bikini straps. A darker colour indicates higher UV intensity, a lighter colour lower UV intensity. To be honest I find this second alternative more attractive and probably also more useful. After all who needs to know the UV intensity with 0.01 accuracy?

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Tao Electronics offers the Picture Pendant, a rather stylish fashion accessory, not to say jewellery, that features a 1 inch LCD display and enough memory to store up to 56 photos which can then be displayed on the display. The pendant can be connected to a computer via USB. Not bad for 60 dollars.
Several key chain versions using the same technology are available as well.

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A research team at the university of Wisconsin-Madison has invented flexible computer chips on plastic.

Here is an extract of the press release:
“New thin-film semiconductor techniques invented by University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers promise to add sensing, computing and imaging capability to an amazing array of materials.

Historically, the semiconductor industry has relied on flat, two-dimensional chips upon which to grow and etch the thin films of material that become electronic circuits for computers and other electronic devices. But as thin as those chips might seem, they are quite beefy in comparison to the result of a new UW-Madison semiconductor fabrication process detailed in the current issue of the Journal of Applied Physics.

A team led by electrical and computer engineer Zhenqiang (Jack) Ma and materials scientist Max Lagally have developed a process to remove a single-crystal film of semiconductor from the substrate on which it is built. This thin layer (only a couple of hundred nanometers thick) can be transferred to glass, plastic or other flexible materials, opening a wide range of possibilities for flexible electronics. In addition, the semiconductor film can be flipped as it is transferred to its new substrate, making its other side available for more components. This doubles the possible number of devices that can be placed on the film.

By repeating the process, layers of double-sided, thin-film semiconductors can be stacked together, creating powerful, low-power, three-dimensional electronic devices.
[…]

For non-computer applications, flexible electronics are beginning to have significant impact. Solar cells, smart cards, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, medical applications, and active-matrix flat panel displays could all benefit from the development. The techniques could allow flexible semiconductors to be embedded in fabric to create wearable electronics or computer monitors that roll up like a window shade. […]”

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Ossur offers the Rheo Knee, a 30.000 dollar knee prosthetics, which is said to be the most advanced knee replacement system to date.
What distinguishes the Rheo Knee from other prosthetics is its combination of microprocessors and artificial intelligence that learns, recognizes and adjusts to individual walking styles.
“Unlike existing hydraulic systems, this response offers customized levels of resistance (knee flexion) as, and only when, the individual needs it. That’s why walking effort is reduced to a minimum and motion is much smoother and more natural.”

Other advantages include decreased likeliness of the knee to buckle, as well as easy setup and calibration.

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According to a German press release, the German government, or more specifically the department of research and education, is investing 15 million Euros in research projects for intelligent clothing. According to the department, more than 50 project proposals have been put in already with a potential of several dozens of them being financially supported.
Applications for intelligent clothing lie mostly in the medical and well being areas, such as monitoring and transmitting vital signs, or designing temperature regulating suits for fire fighters.

According to the press release, Germany is already at the forefront of intelligent clothing development and research.

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German based company eBlocker is marketing a product with the same name that can protect you from mobile phone radiation. While there are no conclusive studies as to whether the electromagnetic fields of mobile phones are actually harmful or not, eBlocker argues that you shouldn’t risk it, especially if there is a solution (their solution). A fabric that cuts out 99.9999% of mobile phone radiation. Clothes manufacturers (a list of manufacturers that use the eBlocker fabric can be found on the eBlocker website) use the fabric to line the inside of pockets to protect you from the radiation, while the outside of the pocket is made from normal fabric, allowing the mobile phone to get reception.

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CuteCircuit hosted a workshop on Smart Textiles and Physical Computing at the Interface Research group at the University of Ulster in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

“What is the secret message glove? you ask? I’m glad you asked!! It is a very useful item for spies, secret agents and private eyes and it is used for passing secret messages at the touch of a finger! In a smoky crowded bar in Casablanca, you urgently need to pass a secret message to your compatriot friend. There are too many ears, and too many eyes - but shaking hands looks normal! So, you shake hands, the data is delivered from glove to glove, and you quietly disappear back into the mysterious Moroccan night, eluding the double agents.”

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As an exiled Bavarian I just had to post this: a traditional Bavarian Lederhose equipped with Bluetooth and integrated MP3 player remote control. You can see the MP3 control elements in the photo. Apart from the fact that a traditional custome is married with modern technology, I think this is also the first implementation of leather controls, rather than the previously reported fabric controls.

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Nanotex has developed a spill resistant fabric that does not absorb any fluids, but remains breathable at the same time.
Other fabrics developed by Nanotex include an anti static fabric and a fabric that is designed to keep you cool.

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This sports bra has an inbuilt sensor to measure your heart rate. The result is transmitted wirelessly to a watch that displays the result. Equally important the bra is seamless so it should be quite comfortable to wear.

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