In order for such clothing to function autonomously, textiles with a variety of technological capabilities are needed, including the ability to sense physiological signals, harvest energy, and wirelessly communicate data without causing discomfort or interfering with the user’s daily activities 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. By leveraging our inherent needs in clothing, electronic textiles can obviate the intrusiveness and risk often associated with implantable or epidermal electronics. By transferring optimized electromagnetic patterns onto clothing in this way, we demonstrate a washable electronic shirt that can be wirelessly powered by a smartphone and continuously monitor axillary temperature without interfering with daily activities.Įlectronic textiles provide an attractive approach to seamlessly interface digital technology with the human body. Owing to the unique electrical and mechanical properties of the liquid metal fibers, these electronic textiles can conform to body surfaces and establish robust wireless connectivity with nearby wearable or implantable devices, even during strenuous exercise. Here, we demonstrate electronic textile systems with functionalities in near-field powering and communication created by digital embroidery of liquid metal fibers. However, achieving these functionalities with clothing is challenging because of limitations in the electronic performance, flexibility and robustness of the underlying materials, which must endure repeated mechanical, thermal and chemical stresses during daily use. Electronic textiles capable of sensing, powering, and communication can be used to non-intrusively monitor human health during daily life.

Liquid metal