Harvard researchers develop programmable knit fabrics

Researchers at Harvard University’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed programmable knitted textiles that can perform functions beyond traditional fabrics. The innovation allows knitted materials to act as switches, opening up new possibilities for smart textile applications.

The research team used highly elastic yarns in a warp knitting process and applied a technique known as plating, which places one yarn on the front of the fabric and another on the back. This method creates a thicker fabric that naturally curls, allowing it to bend, snap, and remain in different shapes or positions.

By adding conductive materials to the knitted fabric, the researchers transformed it into a functional switch. In one demonstration, a piece of fabric attached to an elbow or knee detected changes in shape as the wearer walked, allowing it to count steps.

In another example, the fabric was used to control a lamp, with different fabric shapes triggering different lighting functions. The technology could also be used to create textiles that provide physical feedback or change shape for various smart applications.