BeBop Sensors, a developer of smart fabrics embedded with sensors that are capable of measuring motion, force, location, weight, size and shape, has raised additional funding through a convertible note, founder Keith McMillen confirmed in an email.
A Form D filing on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website indicated the company had raised more than $4.4 million to date, but McMillen noted that the round is still open.
McMillen said the funding would be used to advance fabric research and improve fabric production facilities.
“Funds will also be used to produce numerous prototypes in several markets including consumer safety, health and automotive,” McMillen said.
One example of a healthcare application of BeBop’s technology is the use of sensor embedded insoles to measure gait. It also envisions applying its pressure sensors to hospital bed sheets to track “patient handling,” according to its website.
Smart fabric research is a hot area of research and development. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Defense launched a manufacturing innovation institute to develop cutting edge fabrics and new approaches to textiles manufacturing. It will explore work with fibers and yarns to integrate circuits, LEDs, solar cells, to create fabrics that can communicate, store energy, regulate temperature, monitor health, and change color.
