Submersible Touchless Interactivity in Conformable Textiles Enabled by Highly Selective Overbraided Magnetoresistive Sensors

Overview

Journal Commun Eng

Publisher Springer Nature

Date 2025 Feb 25

PMID 40000762

Authors

Pasindu Lugoda

Eduardo Sergio Oliveros-Mata

Kalana Marasinghe

Rahul Bhaumik

Niccolo Pretto

Carlos Oliveira

Tilak Dias

Theodore Hughes-Riley

Michael Haller

Niko Munzenrieder

Denys Makarov

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Miniature electronics positioned within textile braids leverages the persistent flexibility and comfort of textiles constructed from electronics with 1D form factors. Here, we developed touchless interactivity within textiles using 1D overbraided magnetic field sensors. Our integration strategy minimally impacts the performance of flexible giant magnetoresistive sensors, yielding machine-washable sensors that maintain conformability when integrated in traditional fabrics. These overbraided magnetoresistive sensors exhibit a detectivity down to 380 nT and a nearly isotropic magnetoresistance amplitude response, facilitating intuitive touchless interaction. The interactivity is possible even in humid environments, including underwater, opening reliable activation in day-to-day and specialized applications. To showcase capabilities of overbraided magnetoresistive sensors, we demonstrate a functional armband for navigation control in virtual reality environments and a self-monitoring safety helmet strap. This approach bridges the integration gap between on-skin and rigid magnetic interfaces, paving the way for highly reliable, comfortable, interactive textiles across entertainment, safety, and sportswear.

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