Hong Kong AI lab introduces colour-changing fabric to tackle clothing waste

Research team from the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab) in Hong Kong has developed a revolutionary colour-changing textile embedded with a small camera and powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The innovative technology aims to address clothing waste by offering users a myriad of colour choices for their garments.

The fabric, woven with polymeric optical fibres (POFs) and textile-based yarns, has the ability to illuminate in various hues. Simple gestures, such as a thumbs-up triggering deep blue, a heart sign turning it pink, or an 'OK' sign transforming it into green, allow users to change the colour effortlessly. 

Additionally, a dedicated app on a smartphone enables users to customise colours, with AI algorithms assisting the camera in recognizing individual gestures.

Professor Jeanne Tan, leading the research team at Polytechnic University's School of Fashion and Textiles, highlights the recyclability of POFs made from polymethyl methacrylate. 

The textile's structure facilitates easy separation of POFs from yarns, promoting recycling practices. Notably, the fabric maintains a soft and ordinary knitted fabric feel.

AiDLab envisions the commercialisation of this technology, currently showcasing it in installations at various locations, including shopping malls, across Hong Kong.

The potential widespread adoption of colour-changing fabric could contribute significantly to reducing the environmental impact of fast fashion and textile waste.

(With Reuters Inputs)