Staying smart

Researchers from the University of South Australia have been developing a smart solution for managing your wardrobe.

The system, built by academics from UniSA’s Wearable Computer Laboratory, can tell you what you wore last, where you wore it, what accessories you wore with it, and more.

While admitting that they were not the first to think of using technology this way, Prof Thomas, the Director of the Wearable Computer Laboratory, points out that his researchers are the first to develop ‘smart garment-management technology’ that works.

‘Our system comprises a computerised wardrobe with electronic hangers and garments embedded with tiny electronics that enable wireless monitoring and data downloads,’ Prof Thomas said.

‘The smart wardrobe has a touch screen on the outside and conductive metal bands spanning the hanging rail inside, with wires connecting it to a computer in the base of the wardrobe. When electronic hangers, each with their own ID and metal connection, are placed on the rail, the metal band in the rail detects the hangers and their smart garments, which incorporate conductive material and integrated electronics,’ he said.