Researchers have created light up shoelaces to keep runners safe at night.
Light up shoelaces keep runners safe at night
A team from Nottingham Trent University have developed the electronic device, that whilst not looking dissimilar to normal laces, have LED lights embedded into them which light up if you tap your feet together.
Professor Tilak Dias, who leads the Advanced Textiles Research Group (ATRG) at Nottingham Trent University, said: "These laces could become a very simple way for runners or cyclists to improve their visibility on dark winter nights."
Dr Theodore Hughes-Riley, who also works as part of the ATRG, added: "This technology shows how smart textiles can improve safety for athletes, but also how it can be used as a fashion accessory. This technology could become very appealing to the market soon, as our research into optimising the smart textiles manufacturing process will enable industry to take a huge step forward to producing these kinds of electronic textiles for the consumer."
The lights are made of a waterproof resin so are able to be washed, whilst also being weatherproof.