Material reacts to body heat

Japan-based Mitsui Chemicals has developed a new material that detects and responds to body temperature. Called HUMOFIT^®, the material becomes flexible when heated, making it easier to deform. When cooled down, it becomes hard. The material was developed with the concept of “being close to people.” 

In fact, the name HUMOFIT is a combination of the words HUman, therMO and FIT, as the new material senses human body temperature and gently wraps the body it touches.

When heated, the material can easily bend, fold, twist or stretch without force being applied.

Several products are being tested, including a jacket and hood that are lined with HUMOFIT to ensure the garment fits the body closely for effective heat retention.

Potential uses for HUMOFIT include apparel, transportation, outdoor leisure products, bedding and innovative furniture.

A HUMOFIT chair, for example, stands upright but gradually takes on a seated position once users lean against the thermal sheet that begins to soften around their bodies the further they go back.