The fact that technological developments in the medical and physical field are becoming more and more extensive is by now clear. On all sides, companies are working on innovations to make our lives more pleasant and healthier and to improve athletes' performance. This time, our attention was caught by a 'breathable' shoe that senses how tired you are.
This is a product from the MIT Design Lab. That partnered with sports brand PUMA earlier this year and developed a trainer that actually breathes. To do so, they used a biological method that uses organisms such as bacteria and algae to make 'living' materials from.
Deap learning
The living shoe is embedded with bacteria that move and react to heat released while using the trainer. The bacteria then eat the material at the top of the shoe. This creates air holes that are completely tailored to the user. This system works in conjunction with 'deap learning' soles that provide data and insights measured by the bacteria. These in turn respond to chemicals in the user's sweat. The data can be used to measure fatigue, among other things. Together with measuring other factors, this could, for instance, improve athletes' performance.
T-shirt
Together with PUMA, MIT Design Lab made even more 'living' products. These included a prototype for adaptive packaging. This will completely biodegrade after use. The shoes and packaging are only concepts now, but it is a good example of how in the future 'living' things can be incorporated into our products.
Source: NowThisFuture/MIT Design Lab
