A 'Bionic Bra' that constricts and releases according to the force exerted on the breasts was recently announced by an Australian research team, promising to spare the wearer of the long-term damage that can result from wearing an ill-fitting sports bra.
It's the result of a 15-year effort during which the team only recently obtained the advanced technology necessary to make a garment so...smart.
Thanks to strategically placed actuators and sensors, the Bionic Bra will be able to contract and release according to the wearer's activities and the pressure on the breasts.
Like this, it will offer all the comfort of a regular bra while affording wearers the support of a sports bra without the excessive constriction.
"Our ability to make things from advanced materials has been greatly enhanced recently with the advent of new approaches to fabrication," says study author Professor Gordon Wallace from the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Australia.
As clothes become increasingly equipped with sensors and capable of previously unimaginable connections with the human body, it's possible that no item has been pulled in more directions than the bra.
For example, a Tweeting Bra developed by Nestle Fitness reminds the wearer when it's time to get a breast exam.
And in a new twist, Microsoft announced a smart bra last year that's intended to detect and control the emotions that trigger overeating. According to the researchers, it's equipped with EKG sensors capable of tracking not only cardiac activity but also the amount of sweat on the skin.
Early Smart bras from Adidas ($54.95) and Sensoria ($79.95) monitor heart rate in the interest of fitness tracking.
Perhaps it was the bra's early start pairing with sensors that's inspired researchers from Microsoft and UOW to go the next step and create something entirely unheard of, but in any case, the bra remains the Wild West of wearable tech.
"The advent of approaches such as 3D printing has enabled us to assemble structures containing new sensing technologies to more accurately monitor movement and new artificial muscle technologies to control it," says Professor Wallace.
Although prototypes have been completed, the Bionic Bra is not yet ready for the market, according to a member of Professor Wallace's team who says there's a considerable amount of fine-tuning to be done before they start to market it.
No approximate date has been given as to when the Bionic Bra will become available, but when it does, the research team promises it will revolutionize the brassiere.
Meanwhile, it's important to keep in mind the research of Jean-Denis Rouillon from the University of Franche-Comte, who says the bra is unnecessary and what's truly smart is to not wear one at all.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Sun Dec 21 2014
Prof Gordon Wallace with his team and the Bionic Bra - Source: The University of Wollongong
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.