While many challenges have been met, imec notes that the washability of the material needs to be increased. Today, the material can be washed 10 times at about 120 degree Fahrenheit.

The team has shown that the base principle and the electronics work. Van den Brand said the next step is making printed sensors, such as electrodes that can take extremely sensitive measurements of ECG signals. The researchers also plan to integrate other types of sensors, like temperature sensors, into clothing.

While imec and the Holst Centre is focused on R&D, the technology platform is available to end users. According to Van den Brand, one of the end users is planning to launch a product based on this technology later this year. 

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