It will be possible to sew "tactile smart gloves" based on this technology.
Researchers from China have developed an ultra-thin computing thread that can be woven into regular fabric, paving the way for the creation of "smart" clothing with capabilities previously available only to separate electronic devices.
The scientists managed to develop a method for embedding a multilayer spiral electronic circuit within the fiber itself. As a result, a "fiber chip" was created, measuring only about 50 micrometers in thickness, containing 10,000 transistors per millimeter. The microelectronics of such a thread form a hybrid system that is capable of processing a full range of digital and analog signals.
As noted by Chen Peining, a researcher at the specialized scientific center, the method for producing fiber chips is well compatible with the tools used in the industry. The flexibility and softness of the material, comparable to human brain tissues, make it promising for creating biocompatible neurointerfaces. The technology, which the team has been working on for over ten years, could potentially be used for the treatment of epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, the aftermath of strokes, and as a basis for high-precision sensors in medical instruments.
For example, the "tactile smart gloves" created based on such fibers are visually indistinguishable from ordinary ones but can recognize and simulate sensations from various objects, which can be extremely useful in remote robotic surgery. However, the path from laboratory prototype to practical application requires proof of reliability and durability. During testing, the fiber showed a lifespan of 10,000 bending cycles, stretched by 30%, easily twisted, and maintained functionality even after 100 washes, heating to 100°C, and pressure equivalent to the weight of a full cargo truck. Currently, scientists are working with one of the hospitals to adapt the fiber chip for use in cardiac surgery.
