# Origami Antenna-Infused Threads Ohio State University Researchers are Working with Smart Fabrics By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-10-30 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-fabrics References: [smithsonianmag](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/embroidering-electronics-next-generation-smart-fabrics-180968449/) & [electroscience.osu.edu](https://electroscience.osu.edu/facilities-equipment/textile-antennas-and-electronics-lab) The ElectroScience Laboratory at the Ohio State University is working with a material that can potentially revolutionize the use and implementation of smart fabrics into clothing. The technique is called 'Antenna Embroidery.' Each thread consists of bundles of twisted metal-coated polymer filaments. The resulting electricity-conducting e-thread can be fed into an embroidery machine and thus, added to garments. Due to their flexible nature, the e-thread antennas can be combined with complex designs — such as company logos, as well as be added to very thin textiles. The e-threads can be connected to [sensors and batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-energy-harvesting), providing functional smart fabrics that are incredibly useful for wearable developers. The researchers have tested the embroidery-infused antennas and have been able to create "smart hats that read [deep brain signals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braincomputer-interfaces) for patients with Parkinson's or epilepsy," for example. This venture into smart fabrics is definitely beneficial, when it comes to monitoring a patient's health. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Boomers](https://www.trendhunter.com/boomers) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Antenna Embroidery:** Revolutionize the use and implementation of smart fabrics into clothing by incorporating antenna embroidery technique. - **E-thread Antennas:** Create functional smart fabrics by connecting e-thread antennas to sensors and batteries. - **Wearable Health Monitoring:** Utilize smart fabrics for monitoring a patient's health, such as reading deep brain signals for patients with Parkinson's or epilepsy. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion and Apparel:** Explore disruptive innovation opportunities in incorporating antenna embroidery into clothing to create smart fabrics. - **Healthcare and Medical Devices:** Discover disruptive innovation opportunities in utilizing e-thread antennas for wearable health monitoring in the field of healthcare. - **Sensor Technology:** Find disruptive innovation opportunities in connecting e-thread antennas to sensors for creating functional smart fabrics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stretchable Sweat-Activated Yarn Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yarn-battery.md) - [Thermal Stress-Monitoring Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mij-technology.md) - [Connected Monitoring Bandages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wound-bandage.md) - [Experimental Programmable Clothing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/programmable-clothing.md) - [ECG-Monitoring T-Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/viscero-vest.md) - [Sleep Disorder-Detecting Pajamas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-pajama-top.md) - [Fabric Heating Concept](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moritz-walter.md) - [Electromagnetic Shielding Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ohmni.md) - [Infection-Detecting Wound Coverings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartheal-sensor.md)