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Wednesday, 12th December 2012
In General Japan News,

Japanese inventors make clothes that can generate power

Japan is known around the world for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology, but an invention which could see clothes generate energy is set to impress even the most diehard technophobe.

The product, which was unveiled at the Industrial Technology Centre in Japan's Fukui Prefecture, makes use of solar cells which are woven into clothes and could eventually see wearers charging their phone with their jumper or trousers.

There is still some way to go before the product is ready to take to market, although there has been a fair level of interest in it so far.

"We still have things to solve before commercialisation, such as coating for the conductive wires and improving the fabric's durability. But we've already been contacted by electronics makers, blind makers and others who showed interested in our invention," the creators said.

Interest in solar-powered products is gaining pace in Japan as the 2011 atomic crisis has bought the prospect of using alternative power sources into sharp focus.

Written by Mark Smith