SmartTex - A DIY Textile-Based Multi-Modal Sensing System for Non-Invasive Health Monitoring Applications

Wearable sensors are transforming non-invasive health monitoring by enabling real-time tracking of physiological signals. This work presents a low-cost, DIY (Do-It-Yourself) approach for fabric-based multimodal sensing, integrating electrochemical, deformation-based, and pressure sensing to monitor sweat glucose levels, breath rate, and step counts. The sensor platform is developed using commercially available Adafruit 1364 conductive fabric, leveraging accessible fabrication techniques such as heat bonding and Cricut Maker 3 machine-assisted cutting to ensure scalability and ease of use. The electrochemical glucose sensor is validated using Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV), achieving a sensitivity value of 2.94 μA μM^-1, demonstrating a stable response to physiologically relevant sweat glucose concentrations. The deformation-based breath rate sensor effectively tracks breathing patterns, while the step counter sensor, with conductive fabric embedded in the shoe sole, detects ankle positions and ankle pressure variations. This multi-modal sensing platform demonstrates the feasibility of affordable, fabric-based sensors for personalized health monitoring, laying the foundation for the next generation of wearable, ubiquitous sensing technologies.