Advancement in technology over recent years has featured a trend of smart devices worn and connected to smart phones and mobile devices, where data is shared through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other wireless protocols. Smart watches or bands useful for heart beat monitoring, Bluetooth ear phones for convenience and Smart Keychains, another interesting technology, are a common sight and effective technology pieces in connected environment.
The products in this range have grown simultaneously and significantly too with the demand for it in recent times, prompting a research on more innovative connection means.
A perceived problem is a ‘spur-on’ for the quest to get a solution. The current body sensors, in connecting to smart devices through the connection protocol, radiates waves outward- energy deficit. This divergence loses energy to the atmosphere, impacting negatively on the battery life of the device. More energy is used up in establishing a connection.
From the Institute of Health Innovation and Technology at the National University Singapore, Assistant Professor John Ho and his team left no stone unturned in their research for a more energy efficient solution. They worked on converging signals between sensors closer to the body to ensure connection efficiency.
Battery-free wearable device
The breakthrough is the battery-free wearable device. The technology behind this is enhancing regular clothing with conductive textiles known as metamaterials. Metamaterials incorporated into fabrics, create surface waves that moves smoothly over and around the body. This keeps the energy transmitted between sensors closer to the body. The result— less power is used up and weaker signals can be picked up.
Reduced energy need
Data can now be transmitted across devices at power levels 1000 times lesser and since the metamaterial can enhance signal 1000 times over, we can have a higher data rate for same power.
It is possible now with metamaterials embedded in clothing, to transmit power in a wireless environment because of the strong signal between devices
Interoperability
Another good feature of this innovation is the fact that it can work without changes to existing smart phone or connection protocol. It is good with any device within the designed frequency band.
Robust design
Fabrics made by this metamaterial are quite workable, bendable, washable and foldable. The design is quite robust to enhance efficacy without imparing wireless connectivity.
The team has secured a first year provisional patent on the metamaterial. They are working on partnering with potential stakeholders in the areas of health and fitness to commercialize the technology. Ho is hoping to test the smart textiles on athletic clothing and hospital patient for optimized performance and health monitoring.
When asked for plans for the future on this technology, Ho says “We envision that endowing athletic wear, medical clothing with such advanced electromagnetic capabilities can enhance our ability to perceive and interact with the world around us”.
Source: National University of Singapore
Original Study DOI: 10.1038/s41928-019-0257-7
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