Self-Healing Textile-Based Autonomous Reconfigurable Network

To address the U.S. Army need for a robust wearable multipath conductive personal area network for data and power transfer, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Self-healing Textile-based Autonomous Reconfigurable Network (STARNet). STARNet is based on a self-healing conductive ink-based physical layer fabricated on flexible substrates integrated into Warrior clothing, with body-conformable wearable connector elements and innovative multiple redundancy power and data networks. The system combines biomimetic self-healing capability with multiply redundant power and data networks for autonomous reconfiguration capability. In addition, the STARNet enables hassle-free snap connection and disconnection of USB devices, can withstand military environments and repeated laundering cycles, adds less than 50 g to an ~5 oz uniform shirt, can daisy-chain 20 or more high-speed USB devices operating at up to 480 megabits per second, and can be integrated into current and future military uniforms. In Phase I POC demonstrated the feasibility of the STARNet technology by developing a proof-of-concept STARNet prototype with a technology readiness level of 4. In Phase II POC will fully integrate selected technologies into Warrior clothing, creating a multipath network with a technology readiness level of 5.