University of Alberta develops Batman-inspired ‘smart’ clothing with built-in sensors to reduce injuries

Imagine wearing clothing that could change its shape and stiffness to help you recover from a shoulder injury, reduce your risk of falling or assist with muscle weakness.

A team from the University of Alberta is all set to make that a reality with $24 million in funding from the federal government over six years.

The Batman-inspired clothing is being described as a smartwear revolution.

“And the way it’s going to do that is because of the fibers that are inside your clothing,” explained Vivian Mushahwar, the director of the U of A’s iSMART and ST Innovations. “You’re not going to even see it. Those fibers are going to be part of your clothing, and those are the fibers that are going to change their shape and stiffness so that they can assist you with the daily activities.

“They can help you lean backwards, as when you’re leaning forward or carrying a load. It can help people with musculoskeletal weakness to perform all sorts of activities. It can support the trunk. It can support their arms, and it even can support their legs while they’re walking.”

Mushahwar says the clothing is needed as 25 per cent of Canadians have musculoskeletal disorders.

The 64 researchers are from across Canada, the United States and Europe, and include fashion designers, disability advocates, clothing manufacturers, visual artists, and even a choreographer.