This Jacket Is Hot (But Not Too Hot)

We are still waiting for a self-adjusting and self-drying jacket ten years after the date it was predicted to exist in Back to the Future Part II. It will probably be a long wait too — not because it would be so hard to develop technologically, but because few people actually want a self-adjusting and self-drying jacket. That does not mean that the whole smart jacket concept is a bust, however, but rather that we need to build some more practical capabilities into such a garment to get people interested in the idea.

Feeling hot under the collar?

A team led by researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has recently introduced a smart jacket that serves a more practical purpose that people might actually be interested in. Their jacket is made from special yarns that can heat the wearer. A machine learning algorithm learns what temperatures are comfortable for the user, then automatically makes adjustments to prevent overheating. This may seem like overkill — why use machine learning where a simple thermostat would do? But for certain use cases, like elderly patients or residents of nursing homes, automating the process could prevent heat-related illnesses.

The team developed the jacket to fill a need not adequately met by existing options. Traditional solutions, such as heating pads and electric blankets, are widely used for warmth and comfort. However, prolonged exposure to heat can lead to hyperthermia or burns, particularly among elderly individuals who may not be as sensitive to high temperatures. Traditional heated clothing lacks intelligent regulation, making it difficult to prevent overheating.

The researchers’ e-textile integrates silver-coated yarn for heat generation, providing flexibility and reducing bulk compared to conventional carbon fiber heating elements. The AI-based temperature control system was trained using data from 50 participants of varying ages, genders, and body types. Each subject identified their preferred heat settings across different environmental conditions, including changes in temperature, humidity, and wind speed. Sensors detect the actual temperature, and the heating yarns are controlled by the algorithm to align the actual temperature with user preferences.

Beyond AI-powered heating adjustments, the jacket features a built-in visual safety mechanism using thermochromic and polymeric optical fiber yarns. The thermochromic yarn shifts from purple to pink when the temperature exceeds 86°F, allowing for easy visual monitoring during daylight hours. In darker settings, the optical fiber yarn glows blue, yellow, or red to indicate temperatures of 86°F, 104°F, and 122°F, respectively.

Keep it cool

In testing, the smart jacket successfully maintained comfortable temperatures for wearers even as environmental conditions changed. The AI component effectively predicted and adjusted heating levels to optimize comfort while mitigating the risk of overheating.

As e-textile technology continues to evolve, the focus is shifting toward practical innovations that enhance safety, comfort, and usability. While self-drying jackets may remain a sci-fi fantasy, AI-driven smart clothing is quickly becoming a reality — one that could improve the lives of many, particularly those vulnerable to temperature-related health risks.