Bionic Bra Detects Breast Movements to Adjust Itself for Maximum Comfort

After 15 years of hard work, researchers at the University of Wollongong (UoW) in New South Wales, Australia have finally completed a prototype of the "bionic bra." The underwear, which contains hidden sensors to monitor and control movement, can automatically tighten in response to breast movement. 

Professor Gordon Wallace, Executive Research Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science based at the university, explained that the team discovered new actuators and sensing technologies that speeded up the process as of late, reported The Daily Mail.

"Our ability to make things from advanced materials has been greatly enhanced recently with the advent of new approaches to fabrication," he said.

"The advent of approaches such as 3D printing has enabled us to assemble structures containing new sensing technologies to more accurately monitor movement and new artificial muscle technologies to control it. These advances have inspired us to (re)confront the challenges involved in creating the Bionic Bra."

Professor Wallace spoke about the smart bra at the 9th Australasian Biomechanics Conference (ABC9).

According to Professor Julie Steele, Director of Breast Research Australia at (UoW), women have been using bra for a long time but they rarely wear correctly fitted bras or bras that offer enough support during sports, writes ABC.

"People haven't taken the time to put the science behind understanding what they need to do," explained Steele.

"Many sizing systems are many years old, and women are confronted by so many bras - you can have the same manufacturer with the same size but it doesn't support the same amount of breast."

While some progress has already been made on the "bionic bra," the challenge of manufacturing remains.

"Although we have made substantial progress, we still have a way to go before the bionic bra can be taken from the bench top to the washing machine. However, when finished, the bionic bra will transform bra design," said Professor Steele.

Team member Dr. Sheridan Gho added: "Results indicate that our technologies can sense breast motion and provide additional breast support.

"The challenge now is to integrate these technologies into a functional, comfortable bra."