AACHEN, Germany — September 11, 2026 — As part of the PhysioTaix research project, the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University is developing a digital smart jacket with integrated sensors. The jacket is washable and reusable; it tracks movements during rehabilitation exercises in real time and transmits the data to an app.
Artificial intelligence is used to analyze and evaluate the movements. Patients receive immediate feedback on their exercises and are better able to assess their performance independently.
The sensors are integrated directly into the jacket. Instead of attaching several individual sensors to the body, the smart jacket is simply put on.
Benefits for therapists
The movement data recorded by the Smart Jacket can provide therapists with additional objective information and assist them in assessing the progress of rehabilitation.
Trial phase and practical applicability
The scientific and technical development of PhysioTaix is being carried out by the ITA. During the development phase, the project team is working closely with rehabilitation centres, healthcare professionals and other experts to ensure that PhysioTaix can be effectively used in practice once it is ready.
The smart jacket and the digital application are being developed and further tested in the modular smart textiles workshop at the Digital Innovation Centre Europe (DICE). There, students can play a direct part in the development of smart textiles and gain practical experience in the development process.
What happens next?
PhysioTaix will continue to be developed and tested until February 2027. Once the project is complete, potential applications will be further assessed, particularly in collaboration with clinics and health insurance providers.
Background
Rehabilitation takes time and, above all, requires a great deal of repetition. Many exercises are therefore carried out at home, outside of therapy sessions. However, therapists cannot guide their patients through every single movement. Without direct feedback, it is difficult for many patients to assess whether they are performing an exercise correctly. This is where the digital smart jacket can provide targeted support.
Posted: September 11, 2026
Source: Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University
