In a research bordering on science fiction, scientists are working on 'intelligent' fabrics which can perceive and even respond to certain environmental factors such as temperature, electrical or magnetic fields, lighting conditions and colours.
"Depending on the stimuli, they can adapt by changing shape, insulation power, colour or elasticity," a report in the RTD info, a magazine of European Commission, said.
The aim is to develop fabrics, which can correct the situation depending upon the stimuli they perceive spontaneously.
They can even provide cognitive functions such as the recording and storage of data, or sending or reception of signals, it said. The 'intelligent textiles' can also potentially generate a range of applications in sports and medicine, it said.
The report said that the sophisticated suits worn by astronauts have been a source of inspiration for textile intelligence and the European Space Agency's Spacelink programme - a proactive network promoting the transfer of space technologies to terrestrial applications - has already made some contributions in this area.
Are nanotech fabrics any good?
A garment by the name of 'Mamagoose Babygro' has been developed by a Belgian company along with a university, which monitors the heartbeat of babies during their sleep and gives an alert in the event of a respiratory arrest, it said. The garment provides a much more comfortable alternative to the sensors placed under infants at risk of cot death.
Similarly for children with a light sensitivity disorder, the European Space Agency has developed anti-UV underclothes and refrigerated transparent hats, it said.
"Underwear is being studied, for example, that is able to react to changes in body rhythm indicating cardiovascular or diabetic irregularities," it said adding in this way, textiles could be used to monitor a person's vital signs.
Researchers at Philips have developed a brassiere made up of a textile that can record data and emit a signal in the event of a cardiac problem, it said.
The report said that these innovations had also attracted the interest of fashion designers. Prototypes of garments based on fibres fitted with microcapsules able to release chemical reagents depending on temperature or light intensity have already been made.
For example, a blue T-shirt that turns white when the sun comes out, summer dresses that exude a perfume, which can repel certain insects, it said.
The technology involves "reactive fibres or fabrics that incorporate flexible and imperceptible nanofibres, made up of nickel, copper, silver, etc.
The textile intelligence is of great interest to the military, a field in which attempts are being made to develop clothing that reacts symbiotically with the environment and increases the sharpness of the senses, it said.
The armed services are also looking for garments that offer higher protection and the ability to communicate between personnel in the field, it said.
Intelligent textiles developed for military or space application can also be transferred rapidly to other high-risk civilian uses such as operations in underwater or polar environments, combating fire or industrial disasters, or radioactive decontamination, it said.
A French designer has already registered a number of patents involving fabric with sensors, it said.