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Scientists Create ‘A-Textile’: A Smart Fabric That Can Hear and Talk to AI
Smart Fabric, Voice Sensing Smart Fabric: Scientists have developed a unique fabric technology that transforms clothing into a microphone. It's being called Smart Fabric, which can connect to ChatGPT or other smart devices via electrical signals.
Another remarkable discovery has been made in the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Now, your wardrobe can not only be fashion but also your intelligent assistant. A team of scientists from around the world has invented a voice-sensing cloth or "A-Textile" that can turn any cloth into a microphone. You can use it to instruct ChatGPT or home automation devices from the sleeve or collar of your shirt.
Smart clothing with embedded smart devices is a staple of sci-fi movies, but it wasn't possible in real life. Previous sensors were bulky, rigid, and inconvenient, and couldn't properly record everyday sounds. Scientists have now discovered the solution using the phenomenon of triboelectricity, which is that two surfaces touching or moving against each other produce a weak electrical current.
A-textile is made of multi-layered fabric. When a person speaks, the sound waves produced by their voice cause vibrations in these layers. This vibration creates a mild electrical signal, which converts the voice into an electrical signal. This signal is then sent to an AI system, which recognizes it and understands the command.
Scientists have added flower-shaped nanoparticles to this fabric, which hold the electrical charge for a longer period of time. This makes the signal more stable and clear. This signal can be sent wirelessly to a mobile phone, computer, or smart speaker. A deep learning model then interprets this signal and converts it into the correct command.
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The advantage of this technology is that it does not require redesigning the entire fabric. Simply sew a small patch of 'A-textile' onto a collar, pocket, or sleeve, and your garment becomes a voice interface.
In scientific tests, A-textile produced an electrical output of up to 21 volts and recognized voices with 97.5% accuracy. Remarkably, this technology was effective even in crowded or noisy environments. Apparel equipped with this fabric can not only interact with chatbots like ChatGPT, but also control smart home devices like lamps and speakers.
If this technology is commercially successful, in the coming years we may be wearing clothes that measure temperature, communicate with devices, and even understand your likes and dislikes. This discovery is a major step towards future smart wearables.
