Asha Peta Thompson facts for kids

Asha Peta Thompson is a clever British inventor and designer. She creates special fabrics called "smart textiles." She helped start a company called Intelligent Textiles. They make cool wearable technology, like uniforms for soldiers. These uniforms have electronics built right into the fabric!

Early Life and Learning

Peta Thompson loved fashion and design from a young age. She studied fashion at Birmingham City University. She really enjoyed crafts like crochet and knitting.

Advanced Studies

Later, she went to Central Saint Martins for more study. There, she earned a special degree in textile design. She used her skills to help others.

Helping Kids with Textiles

Peta Thompson worked with a school for children with special needs. She created textiles to support kids with autism. She also designed a special wheelchair cover. This cover had textile sensors. They helped prevent painful skin problems called pressure sores.

Her Amazing Career

Peta Thompson is an expert in electronic textiles. These are fabrics with electronics woven into them.

Research at Brunel University

In 2002, she joined Brunel University London. She worked as a research fellow. Her job was to create products for people with disabilities. She worked in the Brunel Design for Life Centre. There, she met industrial designer Stanley Swallow.

The Talking Waistcoat

Together, Peta Thompson and Stanley Swallow invented a "Talking Waistcoat." This special vest had fabric sensors. It was made for people with cerebral palsy. Peta Thompson didn't like the big, bulky electronic devices people used before. So, she explored using conductive thread. This thread can carry electricity. The waistcoat's sensors helped people use computers.

Starting Intelligent Textiles

Peta Thompson and Stanley showed their invention at a trade show. They met people from Australian Wool Innovation. This group was interested in using Australian wool for new products. They started making conductive fabrics. They used a weaving mill that belonged to John Lewis & Partners.

In 2002, they officially started their own company. It was called Intelligent Textiles Limited. At first, they worked from a small studio in London. They even helped a clothing company put an MP3 player into a jacket!

Global Partnerships

Intelligent Textiles Limited now works with factories in Canada and England. These partners help them make their special materials.

Smart Uniforms for Soldiers

Peta Thompson learned that soldiers carry a lot of heavy gear. They often carry over 60 AA batteries. Their charging cables can get tangled. This gave her an idea.

Broadsword Project

Intelligent Textiles Limited decided to create electronic textiles for military uniforms. These special fabrics could be added to existing uniforms. They have many patents and trademarks for their inventions. Peta Thompson presented their idea, called Broadsword, to the Canadian Armed Forces.

Helping Armies Worldwide

The United States Army and United States Marine Corps also became interested. Big companies like BAE Systems supported their work. Their e-uniforms greatly reduce the weight soldiers carry. Trials for these uniforms began in 2015. This means soldiers can move more easily and carry less weight.

Media Appearances

Peta Thompson has shared her story on TV and radio. She has appeared on shows like The Bottom Line and BBC Woman's Hour.