Being a fighter jet pilot is stressful, both mentally and physically. Yet, it’s also a job that requires fast decision-making in high-pressure situations. Physical touch can help regulate their breath and nervous system. TNO spin-off Touchwaves developed a wearable solution for pilots that helps them in high-stress situations by using the power of haptics. Founder and CEO Charlotte Kjellander shares all about their innovation.
This article was first published in TTT Magazine #10.
In stressful situations, your senses tend to go numb. Sounds fade away, your eyesight narrows, and you’re at a loss for words. Yet, the somatic sensory system – or touch – continues to perform. “That’s what makes it so powerful,” says Charlotte. “So it makes sense to use that system, for example, to get out of hyperventilation. The trick is how to use it.” For pilots, this could save their lives. Up to three F-35 fighter jets crash in training each year, 80% of the time due to human factors. “Preventing these plane crashes saves lives, both of the pilots and civilians, and it also saves a lot of money, as these planes are expensive. Our wearable solution helps pilots perform when it matters.”
Fast communication to the brain
The vest that Touchwaves developed integrates textile biosensors and haptic feedback to monitor vital signs and deliver real-time breathing guidance. “We integrated thin, flexible electronics into clothing that can be integrated into operational pilot gear, or that you can wear underneath your regular clothes,” explains Charlotte. She grins before sharing that she wears one on a daily basis. “The small vibration motors simulate human touch. The positioning of the motors on the body makes use of the fast communication channels to the brain. This enables an intuitive translation of the touch information to the brain functions, so it doesn’t overload cognitive performance. But what it will do is assist the user to breathe deeply to increase the oxygen in their blood, so that they can make better decisions in high-pressure situations.”
Headspace and financial support
In 2023, the team received the first TTT voucher. “We used it to evaluate the market and, of course, to develop the technology. At first, we mostly focused on the consumer market to alleviate anxiety. The voucher helped us to make the prototypes that we needed so we could test on actual users and connect to different organizations. That’s essential at the beginning of a startup. You need the headspace and financial support to find the right people and to run those tests.” After the first voucher, the team moved rapidly and joined the imec.istart.nl accelerator programme.
Traction after pivoting
In 2025, the team decided to pivot to the defence sector. Since then, they gained quite some traction – and funding. “We’re increasing the team,” says Charlotte. “This will be a super exciting year in which we set up validation projects with research centres and NATO air forces. We’re connecting with defence manufacturers so our technology can be implemented in the official uniforms for pilots. Technology around us evolves enormously fast. Machines are stronger than ever before, often creating critical operational environments for us humans. While our biology remains the same, we must learn to utilize it efficiently. That’s what we’re focusing on. We have to be able to take care of ourselves, remain healthy, and perform at our best when it matters the most. Touchwaves provides the tools to get there.”