The Softer Side of Tech
One new tool that could make that possible is fiber-optic fabric. Tactex Controls makes a fabric that's essentially a thin foam-rubber-like material woven from fiber optics, says Robert Inkster, the company's president. The result is a "multitouch pressure-sensitive control surface" capable of capturing human gestures and translating them into control information, according to the company.
"In the same way that a microphone can act like a human ear, or a video camera can emulate the human sense of sight, Tactex can produce fabrics that act like 'digital skin,' and capture the sense of touch," explains Inkster.
The company has plans for gaming controls that respond to users' gestures. Other applications may include automobile seats that automatically adjust when you sit in them, furniture that turns on the television and changes channels at a touch, and "smart sheets" that better accommodate bedridden individuals. There's even been mention of furniture that can change colors to match your clothing.