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Broadsword Spine: weaving electronics into clothing

25 Jul '16
2 min read

A revolutionary piece of new wearable technology that can turn clothing into an invisible power supply and an electronic network has been developed as an alternative to the heavy portable data and power supplies carried by military and emergency service.

The path-breaking product called Broadsword Spine is an e-textile based layer that when added to a user's clothing creates an invisible electronic network and power supply, by using conductive fabrics instead of wires and cables.

With the innovative network, users can plug vital electronic devices straight into their vest, jacket or belt and have them instantly hooked into power and data via USB – resulting in an estimated 40 % weight saving per user compared to available alternatives.

It is robust enough to operate in the harshest environments and is resistant to water, fire, humidity and shock. It can also be easily recharged in the field via in-vehicle charging points or through simple battery replacements.

Designed by BAE Systems, a British defence, security and aerospace multinational company, the product is set to begin production “in high volumes at low cost” in an exclusive collaboration between BAE Systems and Intelligent Textiles Limited (ITL), a leading e-textiles developer in the world.

Our Company and ITL will be ready to deliver these lightweight devices to personnel including the armed forces, fire and rescue services and law enforcement, all of whom rely on carrying electronic equipment and having a durable power supply for long periods of use, the company said on its website.

Elaborating on Broadsword Spine's unique characteristics, Paul Burke, Defence Information and Technology Director within Military Air and Information said , it offers an open architecture, i.e. it could be used to power communications used by anyone “from a soldier on the battlefield to a first responder called to an emergency.”

“It is the first product of our partnership with ITL and uses its revolutionary e-textile allowing power and data to move through fabric. It will be more flexible, robust and lighter than the heavy, unwieldy harnesses which are currently used, he said. (SH)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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