Researchers at South Korea's KAIST and Stanford University have developed self-dressing clothing fitted with soft, air-powered robotic components, aimed at helping older adults get dressed independently. The innovation addresses a common but under-discussed problem: everyday tasks like putting on a shirt or trousers can become genuinely difficult for people with stiff shoulders, limited mobility or balance issues, often forcing reliance on carers or family members for basic dressing.

Once activated, the garment's embedded robotics guide the fabric into place around the wearer's body, adjusting even as the person moves, rather than requiring them to manoeuvre into the clothing unassisted. The project remains at an early research stage rather than being commercially available, but it points towards a future where adaptive clothing could reduce the need for daily assistance and help older people remain independent in their own homes for longer.