Smart Textiles Enable Passive Loneliness Monitoring

In 2026, researchers at King's College London evaluated a prototype smart textile system that integrates sensing garments, furniture, and a mobile app to passively monitor loneliness in older adults through two in-person workshops (N=10). Participants reported high satisfaction for comfort and feedback clarity but expressed varied trust and willingness for long-term monitoring; findings emphasize discretion, personalization, and human oversight for ethical, sustained deployment.