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Mattress uses AI to improve sleep quality
March 1st, 2024
The DeRUCCI T11 Pro smart mattress was designed to improve the user’s quality of sleep by adjusting automatically, using sensors that monitor factors such as heart rate and snoring. Image: DeRUCCI DeRUCCI, a furniture brand sold worldwide and headquartered in Dongguan, China, released the DeRUCCI T11 Pro Smart Mattress, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to […]
FiberTect wipe tested for “dry” chemical decontamination
March 1st, 2024
FiberTect, a nonwoven wipe invented in the lab of Texas Tech University professor Seshadri Ramkumar, Ph.D., for use by the military in liquid and gaseous chemical decontamination is being evaluated for dry substances as well. Images: Texas Tech University A nonwoven wipe invented in the Texas Tech University lab of professor Seshadri Ramkumar, Ph.D., for use […]
New fabric decontaminates itself
March 1st, 2024
A glove made by Rice University researchers uses Joule heating to kill viruses without burning the user’s skin. Image: Rice University Rice University researchers have created a material that could enhance personal protective equipment (PPE)—a composite textile that decontaminates itself, killing at least 99.9% of coronaviruses. The textile-based material uses Joule heating, a process where […]
The happiness effect at American Tent
March 1st, 2024
Photography by © 2023 Mark Skalny Photography Tony Ehrbar, owner and CEO of American Tent LLC, in Green Bay, Wis., didn’t realize he wanted to be an entrepreneur until he was 32. Burned out from years of consulting work and dissatisfied with corporate life, he was inspired to take on a new professional challenge after […]
AI saves businesses time, but it needs to learn physics
March 1st, 2024
In October 2023, Rick Collins, ATA’s IT director, conducted a series of experiments with Midjourney to explore its potential. Using GPT-4, he created descriptions to feed to Midjourney, instructing the latter to generate images of the ideal event tent for hosting 200 attendees Although computers have been working with large amounts of data since their […]
Fabric structures provide crucial support in disasters
March 1st, 2024
This 55-foot-by-103-foot clearspan structure from Warner Shelter Systems Limited (WSSL) served as the mess hall and headquarters for Canada’s Department of National Defence. WSSL also manufactures pole tents and both types have been deployed for disaster-response purposes and utilized as command posts and mess halls and for storage and warehousing. Image: Warner Shelter Systems Limited […]
Smart fabrics testing and standards under development
March 1st, 2024
A glove made on a Shima Seiki SWGN knitting machine on display at Advanced Textiles Expo 2023 in Orlando, Fla. The SWGN machine created the glove in 19 minutes at a speed of 1 meter (3.3 feet) per second, including a conductive yarn knit in the first two fingertips to allow the user to operate […]
Textiles and PFAS: Managing the legal risks
March 1st, 2024
A lack of oil repellency for non-PFAS finishes could lead to flammability hazards for firefighters’ gear if exposed to substances such as diesel fuel and hydraulic fluid, NC State researchers have found in tests comparing PFAS-treated and untreated turnout gear. Future work will explore how much oil repellency firefighters need in the field. Image: NC […]
2024 IBC code changes affect temporary structures
March 1st, 2024
Changes to the International Building Code® text for the 2024 edition involve temporary structures, many of which needed to be set up for more than the codes' previous maximum of 180 days during the pandemic. The limit for a temporary structure in the U.S. is now up to a year. Pictured: An inflatable COVID-19 testing […]
From outlet mall to entertainment outlet and hub
March 1st, 2024
Changing buying habits over the last couple of decades have spurred shopping centers to evolve as well. Many have been reimagined and reborn, such as the continuing transformation of the former Chesterfield, Mo., outlet mall into The District. The entertainment hot spot is now anchored by restaurants, a brewery, special events space, concert venue, fitness […]