The challenge of innovating
January 1, 2023 | Advanced Textiles, Markets
Manufacturing to scale is arguably the most significant challenge facing the smart materials and wearable technology industries—and it’s not just desirable, but essential for growth and survival. Without full commercialization, the drive for new developments and research is in jeopardy. There is…
3D Knit BioSuit
January 1, 2023 | Swatches
Space is referred to as a vacuum because there is a near-total lack of gas molecules. That means there’s also a complete lack of pressure, so the air inside an unprotected astronaut’s lungs would quickly rush out of the body, gasses in body fluids would expand and the skin would inflate like a b…
Keys to preventive maintenance
January 1, 2023 | Business
Don’t you hate it when things don’t work in the warehouse? You jump on the forklift, ready to unload a 40-foot trailer, and the battery is dead. As you are cursing your misfortune, you grab the pallet jack and the hydraulic pump is shot. The thoughts of creeks and paddles are now dancing through…
Low-cost wearable electronics
January 1, 2023 | Swatches
Fabric researchers at the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University have created a technique for embroidering power-generating yarns onto fabric. This process allows researchers to embed a self-powered, numerical touchpad and movement sensors into clothing to offer a low-cost, sc…
Nothing to hide
January 1, 2023 | Markets
Empty shelves and rising prices are constant reminders of the many challenges and disruptions that continue to plague the complex supply chains that span the globe. But supply chain transparency is moving to the fore, with consumers and regulators paying ever more attention to where products are sou…
Tern Point Shade Renovation
January 1, 2023 | Final Project
Sometimes building a home to capitalize on the view of its surroundings may introduce some unintended problems.