A group of scientists in Hong Kong (China) has developed a color-changing fabric equipped with a small camera and artificial intelligence (AI) application. With this innovation, in the future, people will be able to change the color of their clothing with simple gestures.
The fabric is woven with plastic optical fiber (POF) and can reflect multiple colors. (Photo: Reuters)
According to research from the AI Design Laboratory (AiDLab), the fabric is woven with plastic optical fiber (POF) and can reflect various colors. If the user signals an agreement, the fabric will change to dark blue. If a heart shape is formed with the hands, the fabric will turn pink.
If the user signals “OK”, the fabric will change to green. Colors can also be customized through a mobile application, and AI algorithms help the camera recognize user gestures. According to AiDLab, this unique technology could help reduce environmental waste by providing people with more clothing color options.
Professor Jeanne Tan from the School of Fashion and Textiles at the Polytechnic University and the head of the research team pointed out that POF is made from the recyclable thermoplastic polymethyl methacrylate, while the structure of this fabric makes it easy to separate POF from the fibers for recycling. Additionally, the fabric material is very soft, providing a feel similar to that of conventional knitted fabrics when touched.
The advanced technology is currently being showcased at several shopping centers and various locations in Hong Kong (China). AiDLab hopes this technology will soon be commercialized in the future.
