NUS researchers develop touchscreen integrated into electronic fibers
Researchers at the National University of Singapore have created a wearable touchscreen by embedding LEDs and touch sensors directly into electronic fibers.
Summary
A team led by Assistant Professor Tural Khudiyev at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has developed a method to weave functional electronics into textiles. By using a laser-based manufacturing process to connect components within one-millimeter-thick fibers, they created a prototype sleeve featuring a 96x54 pixel display. The technology supports multi-touch, 8-bit color, and remains functional after repeated washing and bending.
Technical details of the electronic fibers
- Uses a laser-based manufacturing process to expose insulated wires for molten solder connections.
- Capable of joining over 5,000 chips with more than 20,000 electrical connections per fiber.
- The prototype sleeve uses 54 fibers, each containing 96 LEDs, resulting in a 168x105 mm display.
- Supports 8-bit color at 30 frames per second with multi-touch detection.
- Each fiber has an independent control channel, preventing a single failure from disabling the entire display.
- Maintains performance after 50 machine washes and 1,000 bends at a 5mm radius.
Why it matters
This development paves the way for smart garments that integrate sensors and interfaces directly into everyday clothing without sacrificing breathability.
Original reference: www.hackster.io →