Poor posture can have several long-term consequences on a person’s health, including an increased risk of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular disorders. To counter the negative effects of today’s sedentary lifestyle on our posture, researchers from the Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems have developed a smart fabric that tracks the user’s posture and allows them to make the necessary adjustments. The sensors in the fabric use special nanogenerators known as triboelectric nanogenerators that harvest energy through the friction caused by the stretching and contraction of the fabric when a person moves (also known as contact electrification).

This smart fabric system has a sensitivity rate of 96.6%. The real-life adaptability of the fabric and its ease of use can help people with sedentary jobs avoid pain and chronic health issues. How can we improve our posture with…