The University of Texas, Dallas has been infusing carbon-nanotubes into wearable batteries that can then be used to charge iPhones, iPads or iPods.
The process is complex, but the benefits are definitely clear. According to Ray Baughman, who directs the research program, the team has been producing a fabric that can effectively generate and store its own electricity. In addition to being able to store this power, however, the shirt is also expected to be able to transmit that energy to peripheral devices like iPhones, meaning that wearers would rarely have to worry about running out of juice on the go. And as if that weren’t enough, the fabric the wearable batteries are made out of would also be surprisingly resistant to washing.
Electricity-Generating Clothing
The University of Texas Develops Wearable Batteries
Trend Themes
1. Wearable Batteries - Opportunity for businesses to develop new products and services in the field of wearable electronics and athleisurewear, integrating innovative energy generating materials into everyday garments.
2. Energy-generating Fabrics - Opportunity for businesses to create products using energy-generating fabrics to power wearable devices and other electronic accessories, such as smartwatches and headphones.
3. Portable Power - Opportunity for businesses to develop lightweight and portable charging solutions for electronic devices, catering to consumers' need for on-the-go power supply.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry can explore the use of energy-generating materials in clothing and accessories to make functional yet stylish wearables.
2. Consumer Electronics - The consumer electronics industry can take advantage of the emergence of wearable batteries and energy-generating fabrics to create innovative devices that are more sustainable and accessible.
3. Energy - The energy industry can leverage the development of energy-generating fabrics and wearable batteries to power not just small devices, but even larger systems, such as electric cars and smart homes.