The US government has announced that it has developed smart textile products that turn all kinds of clothing into intelligence tools, and it calls this program SMART ePANTS. Computerized clothing will feel, move, and function like normal clothing. But it will also have the capabilities to record audio, video and geolocation data.
Authorities plan to produce shirts, pants, socks and underwear equipped with tiny cameras, sensors, microphones that act like threads, and energy harvesters powered by the wearer’s body. The US National Intelligence Agency allegedly spent $22 million on these efforts to target undercover agents, law enforcement and emergency medical technicians.
The announcement was made by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), a branch of the US Department of Defense. “The Intelligent Electrically Powered and Networked Textile Systems (SMART ePANTS) program represents the largest investment in developing Active Smart Textiles (AST) that feel, move and function like any garment,” said a press release from IARPA.
Five entities, including MIT, SRI International, Nautilus Defense, Leidos and Areté, have received investment for this project, The Intercept reported.
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