MIT develops washable sensors that embed in fabric for constant vital sign monitoring

Team Udayavani, Apr 24, 2020, 12:19 PM IST

MIT experts have developed a new sensor that is waterproof and can be embedded in an individual’s clothes. It is a lightweight sensor that can be integrated into flexible fabrics, including the kinds of polyesters often used in athletic wear.

The newly developed sensor can monitor the wearer’s vital signs, including his or her respiratory rate, heart rate, and body temperature. These sensors are machine-washable and can be integrated into clothing that appears totally normal

Sources claim that research was conducted by MIT to design a prototype that can communicate with a smartphone. The prototype has potential applications across the sports industry, health industry.

Also, the sensors can be used even in space to monitor the vital signs of an astronaut during a space mission and on patients who have underlying chronic conditions that require regular check-ups and monitoring. Several companies are already experimenting with washable-sensors.