A Toronto-based startup, Aurmada, is part of a growing trend in the fashion industry exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into clothing and footwear. The company is experimenting with ways to incorporate AI technology into garments to enhance their functionality, such as monitoring aspects like gait and proximity detection.
According to a recent survey by Leger, nearly 40% of Canadians own wearable technology, with smartwatches dominating the market. However, Aurmada’s CEO, Zavosh Zaboliyan, believes that the future lies in integrating tech directly into clothing, not just accessories.
Zaboliyan co-founded Aurmada after experiencing a car accident that led to a need for real-time information about his gait during rehabilitation. This experience inspired him to explore how AI embedded in clothing could monitor vital signs, track movements, and even detect blind spots or potential threats.
At a recent technology showcase in Toronto, Aurmada displayed innovative designs, including shoe sole sensors for weight distribution analysis and clothing embedded with AI-powered sensors that act as virtual assistants. The company is also researching fabrics with metal elements like copper or silver to shield sensors from external interference, along with plans to incorporate lightweight solar panels for powering the technology.
While these products are currently in the prototype stage, Aurmada has already launched non-AI-enhanced items like bulletproof shirts and electrically conductive socks. The company aims to cater to various industries, including security, defense, and manufacturing, by providing clothing with enhanced features for increased safety and functionality.
Designers and researchers worldwide are also exploring the fusion of technology with fashion, creating garments that respond to external stimuli like social media feeds or physiological signals. As the industry progresses, privacy concerns and consumer acceptance of AI-enhanced clothing remain key challenges that could impact the mass adoption of such products.
Experts predict that with closer collaboration between fashion and technology innovators, more stylish and functional wearable technology could become mainstream within the next five to eight years, offering a blend of practicality and aesthetics in the evolving landscape of smart clothing.