This new NFC technology integrates with existing clothing

NFC technology is present today in some smartphones and in our credit cards. In the United States, researchers describe a development of this technology capable of processing clothing.

Significantly increased range

Not to be confused with RFID technology, NFC (NFC) is a technique Allow data exchange between the reader and any compatible mobile station or between the stations themselves. In short, it is the technology used by some smartphones and credit cards for contactless payment or even some transportation cards, vehicle (lock) and other home automation systems.

However, NFC has an important requirement. In fact, the two supports should not be too far from each other, i.e. at most one ten centimeters. However, researchers at the University of California, Irvine (USA) recently revealed a new NFC technology that can be integrated into clothing and has a much greater range, namely 120 cm.

many possibilities

« If you’ve ever put your smartphone or payment card near a reader to pay for your purchase, you’ve taken advantage of Near Field Signaling technologies. Our fabrics work on the same principle, but we have greatly expanded the range […] This means that you can keep your phone in your pocket and by simply rubbing your body with other textiles (or readers), energy and information can be transferred to and from your device. […] You will no longer need to manually unlock your car with a key or a separate wireless device, your body will become the emblem for unlocking utility doors”, as scholars say in statment November 16, 2021.

In publishing them in the magazine nature electronics, project leaders indicate that the transmission of information will be automatic. This will be the case, for example, when unlocking the car and opening the gate. The body, which takes the form of a small antenna, may also be small power appliances. Researchers say it will be possible to create a hospital gown with multiple wireless sensors to monitor a patient’s health.

Finally, taking advantage of this innovation will not involve purchasing connected clothing. In fact, the antenna in question can completely Add to existing clothes. In addition, the scientists themselves want to create textile designs that incorporate the technology. According to them, the manufacture of metamaterials is inexpensive They can fully adapt in size and shape.