Research

SMART Wearable Electronics Group

At SWEG, we are committed to pioneering advancements in smart wearable electronics. Our research sits at the intersection of energy harvesting, intelligent sensors, nanotechnology, and adaptive systems to develop the next generation of self-powered, intelligent garments. These innovations enable real-time health monitoring, enhance safety, and provide transformative solutions for individuals in demanding end uses or with disabilities. By integrating cutting-edge technology with sustainability, we create eco-friendly, efficient, and comfortable wearables designed to improve daily life

Innovation

Key Focus Areas of Our Research

Energy Harvesting Devices

We are developing self-powered wearable garments using energy harvesting technologies, such as triboelectric nano generators (TENG) and other sustainable methods. These energy devices capture and store energy from the wearer’s movements, powering the smart sensors and wireless communication systems embedded in the garments without the need for traditional batteries. This approach reduces reliance on external power sources and contributes to the creation of sustainable, wearable electronics.

SMART Sensors

We specialize in the development of smart textile sensors that can be seamlessly integrated into fabrics. These sensors are capable of monitoring a range of physiological and environmental parameters, such as heart rate, body temperature, movement, and sleep patterns, in real time. These sensors play a crucial role in creating wearables that can help track health metrics, enhance safety, and provide valuable insights for both individuals and industries.

Nanotechnology

Our research also explores nanotechnology for the development of nanofabrics. We are pioneering the creation of nano-enabled textile yarns that possess unique conductive, responsive, and lightweight properties, allowing us to create fabrics that can perform tasks beyond traditional wearables. These fabrics are used to develop smart garments capable of sensing environmental factors and responding to them, creating a whole new category of intelligent textiles.

Intelligent Systems with AI

We are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into our wearable systems to enhance the intelligence of the garments. By incorporating AI algorithms, the garments can learn from user data, adapt to different environments, and provide personalized recommendations based on real-time data. This includes the use of machine learning for health monitoring, safety assessments, and predictive analytics, ensuring that wearables become more intuitive, responsive, and effective over time.

Collaboration & Fellowship Opportunities

At SWEG, we actively seek collaborations with leading UK universities, international research institutions, and industry partners to drive the advancement of wearable technologies. We are particularly interested in forming strategic alliances that explore novel research areas and create solutions that address the challenges of the future.

We are also committed to supporting emerging talent through PhD and postdoctoral fellowships. These fellowships provide an excellent opportunity for researchers to join our team and contribute to cutting-edge work in energy devices, smart sensors, nanotechnology, and AI systems. Some of the fellowships we support include:

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Fellowships
EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs)
Royal Society University Research Fellowships
Newton International Fellowships
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Fellowships
James Watt Fellowship (Ph.D. level)
Royal Society Research Fellowships

These opportunities allow young researchers to advance their academic careers while contributing to breakthrough innovations in wearable technology.