At the TechCrunch Disrupt technology start-up conference, apparel company Seismic unveiled its 'Powered Clothing' Spring 2019 collection. Rather than just drawing inspiration from robotics, this new apparel range actually fuses textiles with discreet robotics to create "an extension of the human body" that is said to be like having an extra set of muscles.
The garments help to support the core of the body and enhance a range of activities like standing, sitting, carrying and lifting. Just like one's own muscles, the "robotic muscles" that can be found on the Powered Clothing pieces are designed to contract and relax.
As of 2019, Seismic plans to enter the consumer market with a limited release focused on activewear. As Seismic co-founder and CEO Rich Mahoney describes, "we see a future where simply getting dressed in the morning can dramatically improve people's lifestyles and expand what they are capable of accomplishing."
Functional Robotic Apparel
Seismic's 'Powered Clothing' Line Fuses Fashion and Robotics
Trend Themes
1. Functional Robotics - The fusion of textiles and discreet robotics in apparel presents opportunities for the development of wearable robotics that can enhance human movement and performance.
2. Smart Fabrics - Integrating small robotics components into textiles creates new opportunities for the future of intelligent clothing.
3. Assistive Technology - The Powered Clothing line's focus on enhancing human capabilities sets a trend for wearable assistive technology that can improve people's lifestyles and capabilities.
Industry Implications
1. Apparel - The Powered Clothing collection showcases how the apparel industry can benefit from integrating robotics to create innovative garments for health and wellness, sports and leisure, and industrial applications.
2. Robotics - The development of functional robotic apparel sets a trend for the robotics industry to explore the fusion of technology with other industries for innovative solutions.
3. Health and Wellness - Functional robotic apparel opens up opportunities for the healthcare industry to explore the development of assistive technology and wearable robotics for patients with physical disabilities or limitations.