Hats are not just accessories that keep our heads warm or protect us from the sun. They are also expressions of our personality, style, and culture. But what if hats could do more than that? What if hats could become smart devices that enhance our lives in various ways?

That’s the vision of some innovators who are developing new technologies and designs for hats of the future. These hats are not only fashionable but also functional, interactive, and adaptive. They can connect to the internet, monitor our health, communicate with other devices, change their shape and color, and even generate energy.

Here are some examples of how technology and innovation are transforming the hat industry and creating new possibilities for headwear.

Smart Hats: How Technology is Adding Intelligence to Headwear

One of the most prominent trends in that technology is the integration of sensors, microprocessors, wireless communication, and other components that enable hats to collect data, process information, and perform various tasks. These smart hats can offer a range of benefits for users, such as:

Health monitoring: Some smart hats can measure vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen saturation. They can also detect signs of fatigue, stress, dehydration, or concussion. For example, LifeBEAM’s Smart Hat can track the wearer’s heart rate, calories burned, and steps taken during exercise. It can also sync with a smartphone app or a smartwatch to provide feedback and coaching. Another example is NeuroSky’s MindWave Mobile 2, a brain-computer interface that can measure brainwaves and monitor mental states such as attention, relaxation, and meditation.

Entertainment: Some smart hats can provide audiovisual stimulation for entertainment or educational purposes. They can play music, podcasts, or audiobooks, display images or videos, or create immersive virtual reality experiences. For example, Bose’s Frames are sunglasses that have built-in speakers and microphones that can stream audio from a smartphone or a voice assistant. They can also use augmented reality to overlay digital information in the real world. Another example is Caputer Labs’ Seer, a helmet that can project a 100-degree field of view onto a transparent visor, creating a mixed-reality experience.

Communication: Some smart hats can enable users to communicate with other people or devices using voice, text, or gestures. They can also use artificial intelligence to translate languages, transcribe speech or provide assistance. For example, Google’s Jacquard is a platform that allows designers to embed touch-sensitive fibers into fabrics that can be used to control smartphones or other devices with gestures. Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket is one of the products that use Jacquard technology to allow wearers to answer calls, play music or get directions by tapping or swiping their sleeves. Another example is Waverly Labs’ Pilot, an earpiece that can translate 15 languages and 42 dialects in real-time.

Adaptive Hats: How Technology is Making Headwear More Responsive and Customizable

Another trend in that technology is the use of materials and mechanisms that enable hats to change their shape, color, or texture according to the environment, the user’s preferences, or the context. These adaptive hats can offer more comfort, convenience, and personalization for users, such as:

Thermal regulation: Some adaptive hats can adjust their temperature or ventilation to keep the wearer cool or warm depending on the weather or the activity level. They can also use solar panels or thermoelectric generators to harvest energy from heat or light and power other functions. For example, SolSol’s Solar Hat can charge smartphones or other devices using solar energy. Another example is Embr Labs’ Wave Bracelet, a wearable device that can cool or warm the wearer’s wrist by changing the temperature of a metal plate, creating a sensation of thermal comfort.

Color changing: Some adaptive hats can change their color or pattern to match the wearer’s outfit, mood, or occasion. They can use LEDs, e-ink displays, or electrochromic materials to create dynamic visual effects. For example, Lumen Couture’s LED Matrix Hat can display custom messages, animations, or images using an LED panel that can be controlled by a smartphone app. Another example is Vollebak’s Color Shifting Jacket, a garment that can change its color from black to silver depending on the angle of light.

Shapeshifting: Some adaptive hats can change their shape or structure to fit different head sizes, styles, or functions. They can use origami techniques, inflatable mechanisms, or shape-memory materials to create flexible and versatile forms. For example, Nendo’s Air Luggage is a suitcase that can fold into a compact shape when not in use, or expand into a larger size when needed. It can also be worn as a hat or a backpack. Another example is Moritz Waldemeyer’s Joyrider, a helmet that can transform into different shapes and colors using LED lights and shape-memory alloy wires.

Interactive Hats: How Technology is Enabling Headwear to Sense and Respond to the Environment

A third trend in that technology is the use of sensors, actuators, cameras, and other devices that enable hats to sense and respond to the environment or the user’s actions. These interactive hats can offer more functionality, safety, and fun for users, such as:

Navigation: Some interactive hats can provide navigation guidance or location information to the wearer using audio cues, haptic feedback, or visual signals. They can also use GPS, compasses, or beacons to track the wearer’s position or destination. For example, Wayband’s Armband is a wearable device that can guide visually impaired people to their destination using vibrations. It can also be paired with a hat that has a built-in speaker that can provide verbal instructions. Another example is Noonee’s Chairless Chair, a wearable device that can support the wearer’s posture and movement by creating a virtual chair that can be activated by voice commands.

Detection: Some interactive hats can detect objects, people, or events in the surroundings and alert the wearer or take action accordingly. They can also use cameras, radars, or lidars to capture images or measure distances. For example, Fujitsu’s Ontenna is a hair clip that can convert sound into vibrations and light, allowing deaf or hard-of-hearing people to perceive sounds in their environment. It can also be attached to a hat or a scarf. Another example is Ford’s SafeCap, a trucker hat that can detect signs of drowsiness in the driver and wake them up with vibrations, sounds, or lights.

Expression: Some interactive hats can express the wearer’s emotions, thoughts, or personality using sounds, lights, or movements. They can also use biosensors, facial recognition, or brain-computer interfaces to read the wearer’s mood or intention. For example, Necomimi’s Brainwave Cat Ears are wearable ears that can move and change color according to the wearer’s brain activity, indicating their level of interest, concentration, or relaxation. Another example is CuteCircuit’s SoundShirt, a garment that can translate music into vibrations and lights, allowing deaf or hard-of-hearing people to feel the music.

Summary

Hats are no longer just simple pieces of fabric that cover our heads. They are becoming smart, adaptive, and interactive devices that can enhance our lives in various ways. Technology and innovation are redefining the hat industry and creating new possibilities for headwear.

As these technologies become more advanced and accessible, we can expect to see more hats in the future that offer more functionality, comfort, and personalization for users. Hats of the future may not only change the way we wear hats but also the way we interact with ourselves, each other, and the world around us.