Low-cost, High Precision Fabric Sensors
Auxetix have developed and patented a novel low-cost optical sensor that is based on a clear elastomeric core around which there is a high-strength helical winding. It produces a linear and noise-free signal that is around 600% more sensitive than the output from conventional sensors made from the same materials. Consequently, the electronics can be made more cheaply.

The sensor is primarily aimed at the smart apparel market – its light weight, high flexibility and low physical profile make it ideally suited to such applications as data gloves and instrumented clothing. As such, it can be used to monitor body movements for anything from athletes to animals such as race horses.

The sensors can be implemented in the form of dedicated devices that are similar to knee or wrist braces, or as more conventional clothing. An example would be the fully-instrumented gloves that Auxetix are currently developing. These can be used to control anything from computer games, to scientific or medical software. Indeed, they could even be used to direct mechanical equipment via the Internet. Alternatively, they could be used to create fabrics that could be used to measure loads such as the weight and position of seat occupants or patients in hospital beds.

Potential applications include:

Computer Gaming
Virtual Reality
Defence and Law Enforcement
Medical Devices
Sports Clothing