Samsung applies for patent for smart clothing that charges phones

South Korea-based technology giant Samsung has made another move to bolster its smart apparel line, following the recent patent application for a clothing that can generate energy using a person's movement.

According to the patent filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization, the new clothing will integrate a mechanism called an 'energy harvester', which produces power from the wearer's motion. Using this energy, the device will then trigger multiple processors and sensors embedded in the clothing, allowing it perform electronic functions, including charging phones and other personal gadgets wirelessly.

Samsung claims the technology to be 'extra energy efficient', meaning it will utilize a smaller battery. It can be applied to a range of apparel types and accessories, including jackets, pants, hats and gloves.

The company introduced its first smart clothing under its wearable brand HumanFit at the 2015 InternationaleFunkausstellung in Berlin. It is expected to unveil more clothing innovations at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month.

Samsung has joined the growing list of tech behemoths to venture into smart apparel. This year, Google has collaborated with US clothing brand Levi's to release a smart denim jacket. Apple is also reportedly working on its own line of intelligent clothing.