PREVIEW

Scientists have created a smart fabric that senses via sound that you can use to operate computerised devices or track your breathing.

Researchers at ETH Zurich, who have developed a new generation of smart textiles powered not by electronics, but by sound.

Led by Professor Daniel Ahmed, Chair of Acoustic Robotics for Life Sciences and Healthcare, the team has created what they call “SonoTextiles” — fabrics embedded with acoustic sensors that are lighter, more breathable, and easier to wash than their electronic counterparts.

The breakthrough lies in the use of glass fibres to transmit high-frequency sound waves through the fabric, enabling highly precise sensing without the bulk and complexity of traditional circuitry.

“These textiles are also cost-effective,” says Professor Ahmed. “We use widely available materials, and the system consumes very little power.”

SonoTextiles are designed to detect touch, pressure, and movement. The key lies in the way sound waves travel through the fabric. The researchers have woven glass fibres into textiles at regular intervals, each fitted with a transmitter at one end and a receiver at the other. As the wearer moves or the fabric is pressed, the acoustic waves change — providing immediate feedback on how the textile is being deformed.

“What sets us apart is our use of multiple frequencies along glass fibres,” explains Dr Yingqiang Wang, the study’s lead author, whose work was recently published in Nature Electronics. “This allows us to simplify data processing and avoid signal congestion, which has been a major issue in earlier smart fabrics.”
Each transmitter operates at a distinct ultrasonic frequency — typically around 100 kilohertz, well above the range of human hearing. This enables the system to detect exactly where and how a fibre has been moved or stretched, simply by observing shifts in the acoustic signals.
The potential applications are vast. In healthcare, SonoTextiles could be used to create wearable garments that continuously monitor the breathing of asthma sufferers or those with other respiratory conditions — even triggering alerts in the event of an emergency.
The researchers also see promising uses in sport and rehabilitation. Athletes could receive real-time movement analysis to enhance training and reduce injury risk. Meanwhile, gloves equipped with the technology might one day translate sign language into text or speech.
“SonoTextiles could even support posture correction,” adds Chaochao Sun, who shares first authorship of the paper. “Users might receive gentle alerts when they slouch or when wheelchair users need to adjust their position to prevent pressure sores.”
At present, the technology has been demonstrated successfully in the laboratory, with garments such as T-shirts able to track breathing patterns via subtle shifts in the glass fibres. Despite the impressive proof-of-concept, the team acknowledges that more work is needed to make SonoTextiles durable enough for everyday use.
While glass microfibres performed well in controlled settings, they may prove fragile in real-world conditions. “The beauty of our design is that the glass fibres could easily be replaced with metal ones,” says Professor Ahmed. “Metal is also a highly effective conductor of sound, and we’re keen to explore this further.”
The team’s next steps include improving the robustness of the system and integrating the necessary electronics more seamlessly into fabric — paving the way for a new era of intelligent clothing.