Retail in Asia

In Trends

Smart underwear that measures health data developed

An upcoming trade fair in Tokyo will showcase wearable devices that include underwear that can measure the wearer’s heart rate, calorie consumption and back straightness.

The machine-washable garment, knitted with conductive metallic textiles, was developed by major underwear maker Gunze Ltd. in collaboration with NEC Corp.

According to the two firms, the metallic textiles serve as sensors for the health data and can quantify the degree of stoop. The data will be wirelessly sent to a smartphone automatically.