The researchers have named their innovation SonoTextiles.
Yingqiang Wang/ETH Zurich
Wearable tech is moving into a new era — and it’s not powered by electronics.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a T-shirt that can measure breathing and gloves that can translate hand movements into commands for a computer.
Led by Professor Daniel Ahmed, researchers transformed ordinary fabrics into smart sensors that detect touch, pressure, and motion using a novel method that uses acoustic waves transmitted through glass fibers to create smart textiles. They have named their innovation SonoTextiles.
“While research has already been conducted into smart textiles based on acoustics, we are the first to explore the use of glass fibre in combination with signals that use different frequencies,” Yingqiang Wang, the first author of the study, said in a release.
“We used frequencies in the ultrasonic range, around 100 kilohertz – well beyond the range of human hearing, which is between 20 hertz and 20 kilohertz.”
Fabric feels the frequency
The researchers integrated glass fibers into the fabric at regular intervals. Each fiber has a small transmitter at one end that emits sound waves, while the opposite end is connected to a receiver that detects any changes in these waves. Because each transmitter operates at a unique frequency, identifying which fiber’s sound waves have changed requires minimal computing power.
Glass fibers are woven regularly through the fabric (left). A transmitter (T) sends acoustic waves through the fibers, and a receiver (R) measures them at the other end. Integration of SonoTextiles for creating smart T-shirts (right). Illustration: Yingqiang Wang / ETH Zurich
This approach overcomes common challenges faced by earlier smart textiles, which often struggled with data overload and complex signal processing due to the need to evaluate each sensor location separately.
When a glass fiber bends or moves, the length of the acoustic waves traveling through it changes, causing the waves to lose energy. In a T-shirt, this effect can be triggered by body movements or even breathing.
“In the future, the data could be sent directly to a computer or smartphone in real time,” says Ahmed.
Threads that talk back
The researchers have successfully demonstrated their concept in the lab. Looking ahead, SonoTextiles could serve multiple purposes. As a shirt or T-shirt, they could monitor the breathing of asthma patients and trigger an alert in emergencies. In sports, athletes could receive real-time feedback on their movements to optimize performance and reduce injury risk.
The technology also holds promise for sign language interpretation, enabling gloves to translate hand gestures into text or speech instantly. Additionally, SonoTextiles could enhance virtual and augmented reality experiences by providing more natural and responsive interaction.
“SonoTextiles could even measure a person’s posture and improve their quality of life as an assistive technology,” adds Chaochao Sun, who shares first authorship of the study.
The wavelength in the glass fibers changes when touched or bent. (Illustration: Yingqiang Wang / ETH Zurich) People seeking to improve their posture could receive targeted feedback to correct poor alignment. Additionally, the textiles could alert wheelchair users when it’s time to change position to prevent pressure ulcers.
While the everyday usability of SonoTextiles shows great promise, Ahmed notes there is still room for improvement in practical application. Although glass microfibres performed well as sound conductors in the lab, they may be prone to breaking during regular use.
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“The beauty is that we can easily replace the glass fibres with metal. Sound also propagates effectively through metal,” explains Ahmed, adding, “We would like to expand our research in this direction and also into other applications.”
The researchers now want to make the system more robust and examine how the electronics can be better integrated into the textiles. This breakthrough promises greater precision, enhanced comfort, and better washability, all while keeping costs and power consumption low.
The research has been published in the journal Nature Electronics.
Neetika Walter With over a decade-long career in journalism, Neetika Walter has worked with The Economic Times, ANI, and Hindustan Times, covering politics, business, technology, and the clean energy sector. Passionate about contemporary culture, books, poetry, and storytelling, she brings depth and insight to her writing. When she isn’t chasing stories, she’s likely lost in a book or enjoying the company of her dogs.
