Researchers at Polytechnic University say they have developed a new type of smart sweatsuit that helps athletes remove sweat faster.

The "iActive" garment has a small device dubbed "artificial sweat glands” installed on the back. It uses low-voltage electricity to collect sweat and move it away from the body.

Professor Shou Dahua, who led the research, said the device is safe to wear as it only has a low voltage.

He added that the idea for the sweatsuit came from how trees transport water through their roots.

“We collect the water via the root-like structure, and then we dissipate sweat on the bottom area using a low, safe voltage… The sweat dissipation rate is three times faster than the maximum human sweating rate,” he said.

“In addition, our sportswear is 60 percent lighter and 50 percent less clingy when soaked, in comparison to conventional sportswear.”

Besides athletes, the garment would also be suitable for outdoor workers, medical professionals and firefighters, Shou said.

The sweatsuit can also be controlled by a smartphone app, allowing people to adjust the speed of sweat removal.

The research team said it has conducted various tests to ensure safety, finding that the sweat removal function doesn't deteriorate over time.

“Let's say after 500 laundry tests or after 100 hours of continuous use, the difference of sweat dissipation rate is quite small, less than five percent,” Shou said.

He said the team is in talks with different sports brands to commercialise the product and aims to price it at HK$800 per garment.