Forget about smartwatches; your clothing might soon monitor your health.

      Researchers have created a shirt that continuously monitors your blood pressure.

      Wearable technology may be on the brink of a transformation. While we've seen the rise of less intrusive devices like smart rings, researchers are now advancing the concept by integrating health tracking directly into clothing.

      A team at the National University of Singapore has designed a new textile system that operates without batteries and can monitor blood pressure in real time, potentially enabling everyday garments to serve as constant health monitors. This innovation, outlined in a recent paper published in Nature Electronics and reported by Tech Xplore, addresses a major drawback of current wearables: the need for frequent recharging.

      How the intelligent fabric redefines wearables

      Instead of using a built-in battery, this smart fabric employs ultra-thin sensors that adhere to the skin and connect through a uniquely engineered textile. At the heart of this system is a "metamaterial," which is a precisely constructed fabric that wirelessly transfers power from a nearby smartphone to the sensors.

      This configuration separates power transmission and data communication into distinct frequency channels, minimizing interference and maintaining signal stability. Essentially, your phone serves as both the energy source and the data collector that consistently gathers health information, alleviating the inconvenience of charging multiple devices.

      Real-time monitoring, even during physical activity

      The system primarily tracks systolic blood pressure, assessing the force of blood flow during heartbeats. Initial tests demonstrated its ability to accurately monitor these readings, even during exercise, a challenging area for many wearable sensors. This reliability can be valuable for ongoing health monitoring and the early identification of cardiovascular problems.

      The sensors are designed to be extremely thin and flexible, allowing them to sit directly on the skin without obstructing movement. The textile component links multiple sensors into a network, facilitating continuous data gathering across the body.

      There have been previous explorations of battery-free wearables, but this approach unites everything into a more practical application. By integrating the system into fabric, the researchers aim to create clothing that functions as a passive health monitor rather than relying on a separate device that must be remembered.

      Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience covering consumer hardware.

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      The Ace robot starts as an impressive sports demonstration and quickly evolves into a glimpse of AI transitioning from screens to factories, hospitals, farms, and homes.

      I initially wanted to dismiss Sony’s table tennis robot as merely another lavish lab showcase. A machine capable of competing with elite players is indeed impressive, but it also seems like a demonstration intended to elicit applause from executives in a setting ready to be amazed.

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