Garment Robot

He can walk, he can run, and he can sweat on command. Meet Walter, a robot that perspires1. Walter is the brainchild2 of Hong Kong’s Polytechnic University. Its mission, to advance garment technology. Walter is filled with water pipes to maintain human body temperature, and test the transfer of heat between the body and the blouse. The skin prevents the water from leaking while allowing the moisture3 to seep4 through. So when his temperature increases, Walter starts to sweat. Sensors all over the body show that the shirt on his back is keeping him warm, information that could help design tomorrow’s high performance wardrobe, clothes for athletes and soldiers. In fact, Walter has been contracted to test military uniforms for thermo-insulation5 and heat loss. Retailers and researchers are lining up for a date with the man in blue, exactly when he’ll leave the lab is up in the air.

试衣机器人

他能够在指令下行走，奔跑，同时，还能够出汗。这就是沃尔特，一个能出汗的机器人。沃尔特是香港理工大学的科研产物，其目的是推进服装制作技术。沃尔特体内遍布水管以维持人的体温并测试身体与衣服之间的热量传递。皮肤防止水泄漏，却能让湿气渗出。因此当他的温度升高时，沃尔特就开始出汗。遍及全身的感应器显示其背部的衬衫使其保持温暖，这就有助于设计未来的高性能运动员及士兵服装。事实上，沃尔特已被用来测试军队制服的隔热及保暖性能。现在，零售商及研究人员正争先恐后地期待着与这个身着蓝色服装小人见面，但他具体什么时间能走出实验室还是个未知数。