Today's army is technologically dependent, including a reliance on batteries to power portable electronics. In the past, they've been functional, yet restrictive due to their heavy weight and bulk. Now a new technology is available to create fabrics that acts as rechargeable batteries.
"A novel machine that makes nanostructured fibers could be the key to a new generation of military uniforms that take on active functions such as generating and storing energy," Technology Review said.
"The fibers can be made of up to three different materials, arranged in regular, nanoscale patterns visible in cross section. What's needed are ways to store energy in less space and relieve soldiers of logistical burdens so that they can concentrate on their jobs."
With the clothing and body armor acting as the energy source, the weight of the batteries can be more evenly distributed.
Wearable, Rechargeable Batteries
Woven Nanostructured Fiber
Trend Themes
1. Rechargeable Textile Batteries - The development of fabrics that act as rechargeable batteries presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the wearable technology industry.
2. Nanostructured Fiber Manufacturing - The creation of a machine that produces nanostructured fibers opens up possibilities for disruptive innovation in the textile manufacturing industry.
3. Energy-generating Military Uniforms - The utilization of military uniforms that generate and store energy offers a disruptive innovation opportunity in the defense industry.
Industry Implications
1. Wearable Technology - The development of rechargeable textile batteries can revolutionize the wearable technology industry by providing more efficient and lightweight power sources.
2. Textile Manufacturing - The introduction of nanostructured fiber manufacturing techniques can disrupt the textile manufacturing industry by enabling the production of advanced and functional fabrics.
3. Defense - The adoption of energy-generating military uniforms has the potential to disrupt the defense industry by improving soldier mobility and reducing logistical limitations.