A SmartWorkout Shirt Prototype Using Embroidered Piezoresistive Sensors

Melwin Chacko Moncy, Elena Kosareva, Mahdi Tavakoli, Patricia I Dolez

Keywords: smartwear, smartshirt, smartwear revolution, smart garment, wearable technology, piezoresistive strain guage, resistance training

TL;DR: A prototype smart shirt that is currently being developed which tracks muscle expansion, breathing, and temperature while testing practical ways to integrate non-fibrous electronic components into everyday clothing.

Abstract: A fitness smart garment called the “SmartWorkout Shirt” is being developed to track resistance training progress. The shirt is made from knit, moisture-wicking fabric, and measures fabric strain (piezoresistive) to track muscle expansion and breathing rate, while a low-power thermistor measures temperature. It allows for the exploration of different techniques to integrate non-fibrous sensing elements into a garment. The SmartWorkout Shirt would demonstrate the viability of the SmartWear Revolution, which aims to create low-cost, washable assistive technology that feels like conventional clothing. It will showcase practical applications of everyday smart wear and serve as a stepping stone in learning more about smart wear and how to properly integrate non-fibrous electronics onto garments.

Submission Number: 24