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Solar-power-generating smartwear to have trial at World Expo 2025 in Osaka

A Toyota subsidiary will trial vests with solar cells that generate electricity to power devices such as neck fans at the Osaka World Expo

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An example of the power-generating smartwear fitted with ultrathin solar cells to be trialled at the World Exposition in Osaka, Japan.
Kyodo

Toyota group company Toyoda Gosei will trial power-generating smartwear fitted with ultrathin solar cells at the World Exposition in Osaka, in Japan, as it seeks to bring the technology one step closer to commercialisation.

The proof-of-concept experiment at the expo, which opens on April 13, aims to assess durability and other aspects of the vests, which feature four perovskite solar cells manufactured by Kyoto University start-up EneCoat Technologies attached to their back.

Toyoda Gosei, whose core business is manufacturing car parts, plans to launch the product in limited quantities this year based on public response.

The prototype vests will be worn by expo staff working at a private sector pavilion, with the generated electricity expected to power small devices such as wearable neck fans.

A section of the 2025 World Exposition’s Osaka Healthcare Pavilion that will enable visitors to experience the world of Capcom’s popular video game Monster Hunter with AR goggles. Photo: Kyodo
A section of the 2025 World Exposition’s Osaka Healthcare Pavilion that will enable visitors to experience the world of Capcom’s popular video game Monster Hunter with AR goggles. Photo: Kyodo

Toyoda Gosei has been jointly developing the smartwear with EneCoat Technologies since investing in the company in 2023. Technology from textile manufacturer Seiren enabled the wireless attachment of the solar cells to the clothing, while Toyoda Gosei developed the energy storage unit.

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