At the intersection of textiles, wearable technology, and human augmentation, you’ll find NASA changing the way we live and work. From robotic exoskeletons that speed rehabilitation and enhance human performance to fabric circuits powering smarter e-textiles, these advancements promise to improve our health, safety, and productivity.
By pushing the boundaries of design and functionality, NASA is redefining the state of the art for wearable technology and human augmentation across industries. Here are some key highlights from our patent portfolio:
Automated Fabric Circuit and Antenna Fabrication
By combining conventional embroidery with automated milling, NASA innovators have created cost-effective e-textiles that offer improved conductivity and design flexibility, including the ability to create more complex geometric patterns. This opens up new possibilities for clothing, spacesuits, and accessories that can monitor health metrics or transmit data in real time without sacrificing comfort or fashion.
Upper Body Robotic Exoskeleton
Human augmentation technologies, such as NASA’s soft wearable robotic exoskeleton, are transforming rehabilitation for patients with neurological impairments. This portable device allows for task-specific motor rehabilitation outside of clinical settings, improving upper-limb mobility for those recovering from injuries or stroke. Beyond healthcare, it also holds potential for augmenting human performance in demanding applications such as space missions or industrial tasks.
NASA’s second-generation Spacesuit RoboGlove (SSRG) represents a significant leap in spacesuit technology. Building on previous models, the SSRG enhances a user's ability to handle complex, hand-intensive tasks with greater speed, strength, and precision. This technology not only is crucial for space exploration but also could benefit industries requiring repetitive or intricate hand movements, such as manufacturing or healthcare.
NASA’s wearable RFID (radio frequency identification) sensor tags use a store-and-forward approach, which helps optimize battery life by temporarily storing data and transmitting it at intervals. This innovation is crucial for environments that require continuous monitoring, such as healthcare settings or space habitats, as it reduces the need for frequent battery replacements. By enhancing operational efficiency, NASA’s RFID sensor tags offer long-lasting, reliable data collection, even in remote or resource-constrained environments.
Carbon Fiber-Carbon Nanotube Yarn Hybrid Reinforcement
NASA’s carbon fiber-carbon nanotube yarn is transforming polymer matrix composites by enhancing their toughness, impact resistance, and overall durability. Its improved environmental stability and ability to conform to complex geometries make it key material for future high-performance applications across industries. It is ideal for use in aerospace, high-performance sports equipment, medical prosthetics, and more.
Flexible Lightweight Radiation Shielding
NASA’s lightweight and flexible radiation shielding technology provides a significant advancement in protective materials, particularly for high-risk environments like medical and aerospace applications. Unlike conventional lead-based solutions, this innovative shielding is not only lighter and more effective at blocking harmful radiation but also more environmentally sustainable. Its integration into textiles enables protective garments and equipment that combine enhanced safety with comfort.
Optical Head-Mounted Display System for Laser Safety Eyewear
This system combines optical head-mounted display with laser safety eyewear, enabling the user to safely view a laser beam in real time while maintaining mobility. It features a picture-in-picture augmented reality display and multiple viewing options, offering a practical solution for environments like research labs, industrial settings, and medical facilities, where laser use is common.
NASA’s advancements in wearable technology, textiles, and human augmentation present unique opportunities to enhance existing products or create new ones. By exploring NASA’s patent portfolio, you can discover technologies that push the boundaries of what’s possible in these fields.
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