Integration of electronic components into textile structures is a key requirement for smart clothing applications, particularly those in which electronics must be distributed over the body surface. Scalable manufacturing techniques for textile-integration of components are a key need in the wearables industry. Here, we introduce a novel technique for assembling surface-mount "fabric PCBs" using stitched traces and reflow soldering techniques. We present an initial evaluation of the durability of this method comparing three variables of manufacture. Results show that all configurations are sufficiently durable for low-intensity wear, and for high-intensity wear larger components and traces and perpendicular trace layout improve durability.

Heart rate monitoring (HRM) is a critical need during exploration missions. Unlike the four separate systems used on ISS today, the single HRM system should perform as a diagnostic tool, perform well during exercise or high level activity, and be suitable for use during EVA. Currently available HRM technologies are dependent on uninterrupted contact with the skin and are prone to data drop-out and motion artifact when worn in the spacesuit or during exercise. Here, we seek an alternative to the chest strap and electrode based sensors currently in use on ISS today. This project aims to develop a single, high performance, robust biosensor with focused efforts on improved heart rate data quality collection during high intensity activity such as exercise or EVA.

Wearable technology has the potential to revolutionize the way humans interact with one another, with information, and with the electronic systems that surround them. This change can already be seen in the dramatic increase in the availability and use of wearable health and activity monitors. These devices continuously monitor the wearer using on-­‐body sensors and wireless communication. They provide feedback that can be used to improve physical health and performance. Smart watches and head mounted displays are also receiving a great deal of commercial attention, providing immediate access to information via graphical displays, as well as additional sensing features. For the purposes of the Wearable Technology CLUSTER, wearable technology is broadly defined as any electronic sensing, human interfaces, computing, or communication that is mounted on the body. Current commercially available wearable devices primarily house electronics in rigid packaging to provide protection from flexing, moisture, and other contaminants. NASA mentors are interested in this approach, but are also interested in direct integration of electronics into clothing to enable more comfortable systems. For human spaceflight, wearable technology holds a great deal of promise for significantly improving safety, efficiency, autonomy, and research capacity for the crew in space and support personnel on the ground. Specific capabilities of interest include: Continuous biomedical monitoring for research and detection of health problems. Environmental monitoring for individual exposure assessments and alarms. Activity monitoring for responsive robotics and environments. Multi-modal caution and warning using tactile, auditory, and visual alarms. Wireless, hands-free, on-demand voice communication. Mobile, on-demand access to space vehicle and robotic displays and controls. Many technical challenges must be overcome to realize these wearable technology applications. For example, to make a wearable device that is both functional and comfortable for long duration wear, developers must strive to reduce electronic mass and volume while also addressing constraints imposed by the body attachment method. Depending on the application, the device must be placed in a location that the user can see and reach, and that provides the appropriate access to air and the wearer's skin. Limited power is available from body-­‐worn batteries and heat must be managed to prevent discomfort. If the clothing is to be washed, there are additional durability and washability hurdles that traditional electronics are not designed to address. Finally, each specific capability has unique technical challenges that will likely require unique solutions. In addition to the technical challenges, development of wearable devices is made more difficult by the diversity of skills required and the historic lack of collaboration across domains. Wearable technology development requires expertise in textiles engineering, apparel design, software and computer engineering, electronic design and manufacturing, human factors engineering, and application-­‐specific fields such as acoustics, medical devices, and sensing. Knowledge from each of these domains must be integrated to create functional and comfortable devices. For this reason, the diversity of knowledge and experience represented in the Wearable Technology is critical to overcoming the fundamental challenges in the field.

Table of Contents 21. Abstract 3 2. Executive Summary 33. Background 4 3.1. Introduction to Smart Fabrics 43.2. Potential Impact 5 4. Approach 64.1. Project Goals 6 4.2. Process 64.3. Hardware Demonstration 6 5. Findings 75.1. Overview of Findings 7 5.2. Commercial State of the Art 75.3. Smart Fabric Research 11 5.4. Promising NASA Applications 145.4.1. Extravehicular Activity (EVA) 14 5.4.2. Intravehicular Activity (IVA) 165.4.3. Inflatable Habitats 17 6. Future Expectations 186.1. Potential Collaborations 18 7. References 20

Stitched e-textile circuits facilitate wearable, flexible, comfortable wearable technology. However, while stitched methods of e-textile circuits are common, multi-layer circuit creation remains a challenge. Here, we present methods of stitched multi-layer circuit creation using accessible tools and techniques.

The Astronaut Interface Device (AID) Project was focused on developing technologies that will allow an astronaut (in a pressurized spacesuit) to control and communicate with several different robots on the moon. The intention was to provide the astronaut with useful information about each robot, and the capability to send commands to these robots. This goal proved to be a significant engineering challenge because the robots (All-Terrain Hex-Legged Extra-Terrestrial Explorer (ATHLETE), K10, and Centaur) were dissimilar robots, with very different architectures and functionality. In spite of the challenges, the three NASA center team (Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Ames Research Center, and Johnson Space Center) was able to successfully monitor and control all three robots after only six months of development. This paper discusses the background of each robot, provides a detailed description of the design and development of AID, and reviews field testing outcomes.