Two prototype Wi-Fi hotspot ‘onesies’ could represent the future in wearable technology, reports metro.co.uk.
Dutch fashion designer and entrepreneur Borre Akkersdijk is working on a novel concept he hopes will cater for the mobile users of the future, providing Wi-Fi connections through everyday items of clothing.
Mr Akkersdijk’s BB.Suits see the enveloping of synthetic fibre between two layers of fine cotton thread to allow the carrying of apparatus for providing wireless signals. He had the idea for creating wearable technology after conducting experiments with a circular knitting machine, the results of which have inspired his new Wi-Fi hotspot suits.
The garments contain lines of copper wire which, when connected to Wi-Fi chips, can produce a speedy mobile connection.
Talking to business-standard.com, Mr Akkersdijk explains: “The copper goes in during the manufacturing process and big spots are left open within the design so we can put chips and stuff in.”
One barrier to Mr Akkersdijk’s plans will be the size of the components, as the current suits require users to store bulky processor boards and batteries inside their pockets.
Mr Akkersdijk adds that no Wi-Fi chips on the current market can be washed, but he hopes that wearable Wi-Fi hotspots will gain traction in the near future.
