PhysioTaix Smart Jacket: A Washable, Sensor-Integrated Garment for Real-Time Rehab Tracking

# What the PhysioTaix smart jacket is Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University. It embeds sensors directly into a washable, reusable jacket so users put on a single item instead of attaching multiple separate sensors to their body.

# How it works Sensors in the jacket record the wearer's movements during rehabilitation exercises. The jacket transmits that movement data in real time to a mobile app. Artificial intelligence analyzes and evaluates the recorded movements, and the app provides immediate feedback to the patient so they can better assess their own exercise performance.

# Benefits for patients and therapists For patients, the main practical change is convenience: a single wearable that is easy to put on and that gives instant feedback during exercises. For therapists, the jacket supplies objective movement data that can supplement clinical observation and help assess rehabilitation progress more quantitatively.

# Development and testing Scientific and technical development of the PhysioTaix system is being led by ITA. During the project's development phase, the team is collaborating with rehabilitation centres, healthcare professionals, and other experts to improve practical applicability. 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), where students can take part in the process.

# What's been confirmed so far

• The jacket is designed to be washable and reusable.
• Sensors are integrated into the fabric, eliminating the need for multiple attached sensors.
• Movement data are transmitted to an app that uses AI to analyze performance and provide immediate feedback.
• The project is working with rehabilitation centres and health professionals during the development phase.

# What's next The article indicates the system is in development and testing phases. Ongoing work focuses on refining the jacket, the app, and the AI analysis while checking that the solution meets practical needs in clinical and rehabilitation settings.

# Practical considerations for readers

# Bottom line PhysioTaix is an integrated smart-jacket approach to movement tracking in rehabilitation. It combines washable textile sensors, real-time data transmission to an app, and AI-based movement analysis to give immediate feedback to patients while supplying therapists with objective metrics during development and trial stages at RWTH Aachen and DICE.