Wearable Smart Objects: Microwaves Propelling Smart Textiles: A Review of Holistic Designs for Wireless Textile Nodes

Research over the last decade has shown the potential of smart wearables in lab settings. Following the current success of smart watches [1], activity trackers [2], [3], and fitness trackers [4], recent startups are breaking through with commercial products integrating smart functionality into traditional pieces of clothing. Some representative examples include the smart sock by Owlet [5], which tracks infants? heart rate and oxygen levels; connected footware by Digitsole [6]; anti-back-pain apparel by Percko [7]; smart bikinis, dresses, and swimsuits by Spinali Design [8]; and the Iilation jacket by Teiimo [9].