Put On and Plug In: Broadsword Spine

Imagine if your clothes could charge you kit; no cables, wires or fuss - meet the Broadsword Spine vest.

The garment is an invisible network built directly into clothing which, through conductive fabrics, allows you to plug straight into a vest.

The aim of the vest is to combat the ever-increasing issue of soldiers needing to carry and charge more equipment, while still remaining mobile and waterproof.

Currently, the pioneering wearable tech is available as a vest, jacket or belt and is powered by one type of battery, eliminating the need to carry different battery packs for different devices.

This also enables the wearer to change the pack swiftly, hopefully streamlining the process.

BAE Systems say that their cable-free connectivity ensures a lighter, more flexible and robust vest compared to the cable alternatives.

Some features include USB 2.0 ports, up to eight connectors and an app to help monitor the vest.

“Mission dependent, Broadsword Spine offers up to a 40% weight saving to wearers reducing the amount of strain experiences by service personnel when carrying equipment for long periods of time.”

The Broadsword Spine was on display at London’s Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), the exhibition combines innovate tech and global defence.