University invents world’s first invisibility cloak
Researchers at Nottingham Trent University have invented the world’s first invisibility cloak – and experts say it could be the next big thing in fashion.
- This was an April Fools’ Day joke. But to read about our equally amazing smart textiles research, click here -
Researchers at Nottingham Trent University have invented the world’s first invisibility cloak – and experts say it could be the next big thing in fashion.
A team from the Advanced Textiles Research Group have embedded miniaturised semiconductors in the yarn of clothes which are so small that they cannot be felt or seen by the wearer.
A prototype cloak has been embedded with 250 micro-controllers, which act like tiny cameras, and detect the ambient light spectrum surrounding the wearer.
This light spectrum is then projected via 3,000 miniaturised photonic devices, also embedded in the cloak, which show the image that is captured on the other side with pinpoint accuracy.
The effect is that the cloak is at all times projecting the images which surround it, giving an illusion of invisibility.
The technology – named i-Yarn – is the first of its kind and has been patented by the university, allowing the institution to transparently reveal the technology today.
Senior Researcher Richard Arm, of the School of Art & Design, said: “This technology proves that an invisibility cloak – the likes of which we have seen in Harry Potter films – is finally within the fashion industry’s sights.
“By embedding hundreds of tiny photo-reactive and photo-emitting devices in yarn, we are able to capture and project live images in a piece of clothing, creating an illusion of invisibility.
“This is a major step forward – a world first - and the potential for fashion is clear to see.”
Senior Researcher
The university – which has been developing the technology as part of a two year research project – is in discussions with industry about how the i-Yarn can be brought to market. Manufacturer Radial Of Ploys is at an advanced stage of negotiations with the research team.
Chris Davison, Business Development Manager for the School of Art & Design, said: “This is all about innovation. The i-Yarn is something that the world has never seen before.
“From a fashion point of view, the potential is huge. With invisible clothes, you will never again be seen in the wrong thing, in the wrong place, at the wrong time.
“We’re already in talks with a range of companies which are very excited about it. I cannot wait to see this technology on the catwalks of London and Paris.”