How a regular T-shirt turned into a coach

At first glance, it looks like an ordinary T-shirt. However, hidden in its seams is a high-tech system capable of monitoring body movements in real time. A new project from Cornell University called SeamFit makes smart clothes as similar to everyday clothes as possible – without rigid sensors or constricting fabrics.

Unlike familiar gadgets like bracelets and rings, SeamFit tracks the movements of the entire body. Special flexible threads that conduct electrical charges are sewn into the seams at the neck, sleeves and sides. They react to any changes in the shape, tension and position of the fabric, recording exactly how the person moves.

Importantly, the user doesn’t have to turn on a workout recording or mark exercises in the app themselves. Artificial intelligence recognizes the actions, determines the type of physical activity and counts the repetitions. After the workout, it remains only to remove a small electronic board from the collar and throw the T-shirt in the wash.

According to the developers, most analogs on the market are either too tight or uncomfortable to wear because of the built-in sensors. SeamFit, on the other hand, does not interfere with movement, does not require fitting and does not differ from ordinary clothes in everyday care.

To test the system’s performance, volunteers were invited to perform 14 different exercises, from squats to arm raises with dumbbells. The program recognized the types of movements with an accuracy of more than 93% without any additional tuning and virtually no errors in counting repetitions.

The technology works by changing the tissue’s ability to store electrical charge. When a person moves, the fabric deforms, and special threads transmit these changes to the removable module. The signals are then processed via Bluetooth, and a machine learning system analyzes each movement.

The creators are confident that this is just the beginning. In the future, the technology can be integrated into sports uniforms, everyday clothes and even pajamas. Moreover, it can help artificial intelligence better recognize what a person is doing – whether he or she is eating, sleeping or playing sports – and choose the optimal moment for interaction.

So far, the development is presented in the form of a T-shirt, but it already shows that smart clothes can be not only technological, but also comfortable. SeamFit does not just record activity – it does it unobtrusively, accurately and without unnecessary effort on the part of the user. In the future, such technologies may replace several gadgets at once without disturbing the usual rhythm of life.