Softmatter unveils new tech platforms to transform the future of wearable technology By CIOTechOutlook Team

Softmatter unveils new tech platforms to transform the future of wearable technology

CIOTechOutlook Team | Thursday, 05 January 2023, 03:10 IST

In order to hasten the uptake and mastery of wearables, Softmatter, a sketch-to-shelf technology firm that operates at the intersection of soft goods and wearables, today unveiled its adjustable stack of new technologies. By using textile technology, the technologies alter the device's composition to improve wearability and user experience.

Softmatter's range of solutions, which cater to the demands of the consumer technology and consumer health sectors, aims to simplify access and scale by linking creators and consumers. At CES 2023, a number of technological solutions will be on display.

Re-engineered artificial reality (AR) & virtual reality (VR) headsets

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Softmatter’s Sensor Integrated Products

“We are on a journey to enable positive change, driving progress through smart engineering solutions and wearable technology to elevate and empower the human experience,” said Softmatter CEO Ulysses Wong.

Re-engineered Artificial Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets

The first generation of AR/VR headsets had hefty designs and were made with rigid form factors. Improvements in terms of comfort, time spent wearing, longer-lasting stretchable materials, and a design that enables modularized, lightweight distributed computing as well as the decoupling of power and processing from the optics were all seen as being necessary by Softmatter.

Developing a textile cable with a soft form factor to change design allows Softmatter to accurately transport high-speed data without losing precision, even when stretched, enabling high-speed data transfer in order to create a user-friendly headset. developed using TPU, electrical ink, cloth, and other materials over 16 distinct form factors.

Integrated Technologies – Haptics & Sensors: An integrated haptic system enables tactile feedback and notification mechanisms in a virtual reality or gaming environment in response to various stimuli in the VR. Electrocardiogram (ECG) or Electromyography (EMG) can be customised taking into account the ideal positioning of the electrodes for different user categories.

Power Reserves - In order to advance on-body computing and get rid of obstacles caused by hefty and substantial powering devices, flexible battery cells are utilised. The solution offered by Softmatter is a washable, semi-solid electrolyte that is lightweight, flexible, and functions as a backup power source for the device's internal battery to enable longer and more convenient usage.

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With regards to aesthetics, comfort, composition, elasticity, and fit, Softmatter has a wealth of experience working with materials and constructions. Because of its experience working with wearables, Softmatter is able to incorporate smart features such as sensors, haptics, flex batteries with power reserves, illumination/notification, dry electrodes, etc., which improves usefulness and enables for shrinking.

Ergonomics and Usability – Engineered Knit and Narrow Width Elastics: Engineered wrist straps made of cutting-edge fabrics, such as flat knit and woven elastics, enable the development of entirely new next-to-skin constructions that are comfortable without compromising functionality or long-term wear. The intricate lightweight, airy constructions with distinct inhomogeneous textures and challenging geometry are made possible by flat knits. The removal of buckles and clasps creates a lighter, more breathable zero-waste wrist strap with a closer second-skin sensation, among other enhancements.