The brocades, the satins, the finest silk—all the fabrics have some illuminating qualities in them. But the Photonic textiles can beat them all in their brightness—because the fabric made out of photonic technology illuminate lights themselves.

What inspired the idea of illuminated clothes?

It all started with a group of scientist’s quest for a new kind of light that can be more attuned to fluctuating moods of men. The researches were carried at Philips Photonic Textiles Business Group in the Netherlands under the leadership of Martjin Krans. They called this concept, “ambience intelligence”. The team under Krans ended up in concluding that not only the gadgets, but our clothing, bedroom linens and other fabric furnishing can also be used as the source of illumination.  

How did the technology evolve?

The first breakthrough came when they were able to incorporate small multicolored LEDs into the cloth, without compromising with its tactile quality. The result was shiny fabrics that diffused lights, but without making the cloth look like burning with light.  

The theory got translated into reality

To judge the practicality of the technology, it was applied to a range products including brightly lit reading pillow, sofa cushion that changes its colors and backpacks that display pre programmed messages or play music videos after being connected to MP3 players.  

The test proved to be extremely successful; since the unveiling of the technology in September 2005, Philips were reported to be inundated with industrial inquiries that included the manufacturers of automobile, corporate interior and ski apparel and many more.  

The power behind the illumination

Illuminated clothes are going to be powered by ordinary AA batteries. But the scientists are open to other advanced power sources and progress has been made in the areas of wearable foldable batteries. You will be able to easily recharge these batteries with movements. Experiments are also going on to develop garments to be powered by the thermal power of the wearer. Researches are also on the way to develop  powered coat hangers, that help keep the fabric fresh even inside the darkness of the wardrobe.  

How can illuminated clothes help the humanity?

Medical sector: The scientists are united in their opinion that it is the medical sector that is going to be benefited most from this wearable technology. The clothes that carry the power source in the yarns or weave tiny lamps emitting ultra violet lights could help patients maintain optimum body temperature, improved blood circulation, monitoring heart beats etc.   

As music playerOne German company uses this technology to produce a jacket that has keyboards in its sleeve, so that you can fine tune your music literally on your fingertips.  

MilitarySome researchers predict that the technology is going to revolutionize the entire military set up. Once the army men are equipped with the self powered garments, they will be able to generate power and collect water from the environment. The garments will give protection from the enemy bullets. And it will act as the perfect camouflage for different kinds of environments.  

However one issue is yet to be settled and that relates to the laundering of the clothes. Once the scientists hit upon an idea of washing these clothes, they are at once headed for the market. You need to have patience till the scientists make that breakthrough. 

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