U of A looking into adaptable clothing
Posted March 19, 2025 5:27 pm.
Last Updated March 19, 2025 5:28 pm.
The Univesity of Alberta says it is looking into the development of adaptable clothing aimed at recovering from injuries and helping those with muscle weaknes.
“We’re starting a smartwear revolution to create light, washable, affordable assistive technology that will be indistinguishable from your current clothing,” says project lead Vivian Mushahwar, professor of medicine and director of the Institute for Smart Augmentative and Restorative Technologies and Health Innovations (iSMART) and Smart Technology (ST) Innovations.
The U of A is leading an international team to work on technology that could increase independence and quality of life for millions of people.
Additionally, they’ve been given a $24 million grant from the federal government to help in research efforts.
Research teams have already reportedly invented from composite materials that are able to sense temperature, strain and pressure and change their shape, size and stiffness.
Dan Sameoto, a professor of mechanical engineering, says the materials are similar to to the memory cloth found in Batman’s cape in the 2005 movie Batman Begins.
The team is now reportedly looking at how the composite materials can be woven into clothing, noting that AI sensors will be inbedded to determine the user’s intentions like if they are trying to move an arm.
For more on the research, visit the U of A website.
