Foldable smartphones are all the rage, but scientists have come up with a new technology that may actually make current models look stiffer in comparison.
Computer fabrics
A fabric developed by a team of scientists in China could replace many of the functions of modern smartphones. The new material could have applications in communications, navigation, healthcare and security. It is one of several smart fabrics being developed that promise to transform clothing and other objects into displays or computers.
“Compared with conventional rigid and bulky devices or emerging thin-film electronic devices, electronic fabrics are highly flexible, lightweight and breathable,” said Huisheng Peng, a professor at Fudan University in Shanghai and lead author of a recent paper on the new fabric technology, in an email interview.
The new fabric technology is solar powered and combines conductive and luminescent fibers with cotton. It could be incorporated into a garment and integrated into clothing. For example, the fabric could place a touchscreen on the sleeve of your jacket, giving you access to a digital map.
