Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed electronic fibres that can turn fabric into a digital display and touch-input device, allowing users to view photos and videos or operate a calculator by pressing the material with their fingers.
The findings were published in the international academic journal Nature on Oct 22.
Digital fibres turn fabric into a screen
The researchers developed what they call ‘digital pixel fibres’, which contain ultra-small light-emitting diode (LED) chips, wires and touch sensors that detect where a finger presses.
A pixel is the smallest unit representing colour and brightness on a digital screen. Smartphones and televisions display images through densely arranged pixels.
The electronic fibres measure about 1mm in diameter and can reach up to 10 metres in length. The team also developed a manufacturing technique capable of connecting more than 5,000 ultra-small semiconductor chips within a single fibre.
By arranging multiple fibres together, the researchers turned fabric into a digital screen. They created a display measuring 16.8cm wide and 10.5cm high using 54 strands of fibre containing 96 LEDs.
Although its resolution is considerably lower than that of smartphone screens, the prototype successfully displayed photos and videos and ran a calculator. It could play videos at up to 30 frames per second.
The technology could also support functions such as displaying body temperature and providing compass information.
Previous technologies included clothing with embedded LEDs and flexible displays attached to fabric. However, the new approach allows the fibres themselves to emit light and detect finger contact, rather than relying on a separate screen attached to clothing.
Smart fabric withstands repeated washing and bending
For the technology to be used in clothing, the fibres must remain functional after repeated washing and bending.
To test their durability, the researchers placed the fibres in a laundry bag and washed them 50 times in a household washing machine using its gentle cycle.
The brightness of the LEDs and the electrical performance of the touch sensors showed no significant changes after the washing tests. The fibres also retained their functionality after being bent 1,000 times.
Prototype still faces practical limitations
Despite the durability results, the current prototype remains limited to laboratory settings.
Its screen resolution is low, and it requires separate connections to a battery and control circuit.
Although the washing tests were conducted under controlled conditions, further validation is needed to establish how well the technology performs during long-term everyday use.
