Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies the physical layer, the media access control layer, and the application layer protocols of the wearable suit area network. These protocols facilitate communication with wearable sensors, actuators, processors, batteries, and other devices to incorporate the specific needs of wearable suits. This item describes protocols for establis hing links and controlling multiple devices across single or multiple wearable suit area networks for efficient data and power transfer, used for wearable suits.

The application control layer protocol is designed for the following scope: 

- Integration of sensor and actuator data for real-time monitoring and control in soft robots

- Efficient data transmission protocols specifically tailored for the bandwidth requirements

- Algorithms for data processing and decision-making, enabling autonomous operation and interaction of soft robots in complex environments.

The media access control layer protocol is designed for the following scope:

- Simple and effective network topology for efficient and adaptable communication

- Variable superframe structure for data transmission and flow control, supporting measurement and control of wearable suits

- Resource allocation among various nodes for effective time and power -sharing.

The physical layer protocol is designed for the following scope: 

- Robust and simple modulation for low-cost implementation and reduced error performance

- Suitable frequencies for wearable suit networks, optimized for the needs of both e -textiles and robotics systems

- Strong coding techniques for reliable data and power transfer ensure consistent performance under various conditions.

Purpose

One of the most exciting trends in technology over the past decade has been the rapid evolution of wearable devices. From the first wearable computers, such as smartwatches, to soft suits that can help a person walk again. Smart fabric is starting to look like a promising material for making wearable devices, for instance, stretch sensors that can track movement and detect body postures,or soft sensors for wearable robots and virtual reality. This sets a technology trend toward embroidery, printing, and functional yarn. Body area network on wearable fabrics has its challenges but also the potential to change the way we live and work.

Wired communications, as in conductive yarns or printed conductive ink, have been used in body area networks since the late 2000s. However, these have presented difficulties in terms of durability, data rate, and cost when the number of devices increases. Furthermore, wireless communications can also be integrated into wearable devices to tackle these difficulties. Nonetheless, the wireless channel may be susceptible to eavesdroppers and interference, which will require a robust protocol,while establishing wireless links between the nodes requires each node to have its own battery,adding weight to the fabric per device.

Recent studies on conductive fabric show that it is a suitable approach to tackle both wired and wireless communications difficulties. As the number of wearable devices and the demand for smart services, including advanced applications in soft robotics and robotics systems, increases, it is important to develop a protocol for providing data and energy simultaneously. This reduces the number of cables and battery supplies around the body per device and increases security. To manage and control a network with multiple nodes in a conductive fabric, including those for advanced applications like soft robotics, a wearable suit area network protocol, should be developed for exchanging required data and control commands.

The essential characteristics of the physical layer, the media access control layer, and the application layer for a wearable suit area network are summarized as follows:

- A conductive fabric network for data and power transfer with simple and efficient control of multiple nodes

- Establish conductive fabric communication links which require procedures and control commands for data to be exchanged and power transferred

- Effective time strategy mechanism based on communication to service multiple nodes and multiple wearable suit area networks

As a direct consequence, we are proposing the physical layer, media access control layer, and application layer protocols to enable power control, data transmission, and application -specific functionalities, satisfying the requirements above. The wearable suit area network, based on systems sharing the conductive fabric for data and power between multiple nodes, supports wireless power transfer and can incorporate multiple wearable suit area networks. Based on the communication link supported by the system, the required data can be exchanged, where a n ode can take scheduling methods into account to meet an efficient quality of service.

The network requires a robust system architecture and flexible design to adapt to new operating environments, standards, and markets. We project that the international standardization of the protocol, will contribute to accommodating the global needs of re levant industries with sharing related technologies and encourage international companies to participate. In addition, issuing a wearable suit area network standard that applies to a variety of industrial usages, including those involving advanced robotic technologies, will shape wearable technology and develop relevant service industries as well.