The Future of Wearable Tech

Haleh Ardebili, Bill D. Cook Professor, department of mechanical engineering, “envisioned a science-fiction-esque future,” one where not only people’s phones and wristwatches were “smart,” but also their clothes. 

Spacesuits, uniforms, exercise clothes … “It seemed a natural next step,” she says.

But for that to work, they’d have to be powered by the right kind of battery—one that’s, well, stretchy. 

Enter the first fabric-based lithium-ion battery. Ardebili and her team have created the first successful prototype after a breakthrough innovation: using conductive silver fabric as a platform and current collector. 

This innovation will make batteries safer, since it won’t require highly flammable liquid electrolytes, and will be much more conducive to bending, stretching and contorting. 

At press time, the team is evaluating the commercial viability of the fabric-based lithium-ion battery as they optimize their prototype.