Wearable tech gone wild or Ralph Lauren being useful? The brand has launched a Polo t-shirt that records activity data such as breathing and heart rate and sends it to the Ralph Lauren app on smartphones via bluetooth.
The new compression tee was launched on the opening day of the US Open, which suggests a sporty (rather than hilarious social) use was intended.
The Ralph Lauren Polo Tech shirt has biometric sensors knitted into the core of the product to read biological and physiological information. It is also made of a yarn blend suitable for most forms of exercise.
It was developed with technology from Canada’s OMsignal, whose team includes experts in neuroscience, sports medicine and engineering. With OMsignal, the shirt itself is the sensor.
The data collected by the shirt is stored by a ‘black box’, which includes an accelerometer and gyroscope, that capture movement and direction. That ‘black box’ transmits the data into the cloud, where it is plugged into a number of algorithms that gauge performance-oriented biometrics, including heartbeat and respiration, as well as some psychometrics, such as stress level and energy output.
Only a men’s design exists at present. The brand is still nutting out the design of one that works with a woman’s shape.
Ralph Lauren is the official outfitter of the two-week U.S. Tennis Association tournament, so it will also be dressing several ball boys in the Polo Tech Shirt during select matches at the Billie Jean National Tennis Center.
David Brewer, US Open Tournament director, said there are features in the Polo Tech shirt that can “revolutionize how players train and compete.”
“Ralph Lauren continues to be at the cutting edge of fashion and culture,” said David Lauren, senior vice president of advertising, marketing and public relations. “Our goal is to create and reflect the ultimate lifestyle, and we believe that a healthy and active life is an essential part of that. Ralph Lauren is excited to help lead the industry in wearable technology in this ever-evolving, modern world.”
“Our vision is that this will transcend sports to help us at every age and in every aspect of life. Reaching far beyond just the needs of elite athletes, Polo Tech will offer innovative technology for all ages and lifestyles to promote general wellness and quality of life.”
