DARPA Wants to Wear Computers on Its Sleeve

Most of us carry around some sort of electronic device on our belt or in our pocket, but the idea of "wearable computers" has been pretty much limited to funky prototype headsets that make users look like they're auditioning for a part in a sci-fi flick. However, according to EETimes.com , a group of scientists is working on an idea called "smart yarn" that will turn users' clothes into a printed circuit board. Apparently, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has released a request for proposals in an effort to unite tinkers and tailors to work together in designing wearable systems made of fabric. The agency intends to invest gobs of money into the "e-textiles" program over the next five years. Amongst the milestones toward achieving the goal of truly wearable computers is a light-emitting fabric based on a four-layer organic light-emitting diode that can scroll dot-matrix-style characters. Just be sure you don't tear your computer while you're playing in the yard.