Hiding in plain sight: seams as sensors
January 1st, 2025
Smart-textile researchers studied different sleeve seams to incorporate sensors into smart shirts that one day could be used for remote monitoring of physical therapy exercises. Image: University of Bath Instead of incorporating sensors into woven fabric panels or knitting them in, e-textile researchers at the University of Bath and the University of Bristol in England […]
Nike, Hyperice collaborate on smart shoes and vest
December 1st, 2024
The shoes created through the collaboration between Nike and Hyperice feature heat and compression powered by a battery pack in each of the shoe’s insoles. Nike and Hyperice, a technology company with a focus on products designed for recovery, mobility, and improved muscle and joint performance, have released two pieces of wearable technology: a pair […]
Surmountable challenges in making e-textiles
December 1st, 2024
Tapis Magique, a pressure-sensitive e-textile carpet, developed by Irmandy Wicaksono with Don Derek Haddad and Joseph A. Paradiso. The carpet generates 3D sensor data based on the user’s movements. Image: Irmandy Wicaksono According to a Business Research Insights market report, the smart fabric segment of the textile industry is poised to grow from $4.19 billion […]
Textile-based device delivers haptic feedback
January 1st, 2024
Each sleeve contains six quarter- sized pouches that inflate with varying force and frequency to deliver haptic cues, such as vibrations, tapping or squeezing. Images: Rice University/Brandon Martin Devices that use haptics, or communication based on touch, usually require bulky hardware, making them inconvenient to use. Researchers at Rice University in Houston, Texas, have found […]
How collaborative projects may change the future of textiles
December 1st, 2023
The North Carolina Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (NC DMCSP) serves and supports textile manufacturers on the edge of discoveries that produce innovation in advanced textiles, wearables and technologies that maximize soldier survivability, sustainability, mobility, combat effectiveness and field quality of life. The NC DMCSP is administered by North Carolina State University Industry Expansion Solutions. […]
German advancements in textiles
December 1st, 2020
Multiaxial fabric composite with fibers are positioned to optimize strength in this rear floor vehicle shell. This approach provides strength and rigidity only where needed, reducing overall material use and weight. The technology is an initiative of the Active Research Environment for the Next Generation of Automobiles (ARENA2036). Photo: Marie O’Mahony. Developments in technical textiles […]
Wearable technology helps stroke patients rehabilitate
December 1st, 2020
Dutch designer and researcher Jessica Smarsch has introduced Connextyle, a shirt designed for measuring muscle activity. Applicable for many kinds of rehabilitation, it was originally meant to help stroke patients who have lost full use of their upper body. Using a new textile technology called TexPCBs, the shirt collects data and provides feedback on the […]
Understanding intelligent textiles
November 4th, 2020
The Advanced Textiles Conference of IFAI’s Virtual Expo 2020 continued Nov. 4 with a detailed presentation by Justine Decaens on “Smart Textiles: From Lab Prototypes to Commercial Products.” Decaens is R&D director with CTT Group, a testing laboratory and R&D facility specialized in technical textiles, headquartered in Quebec, Canada. Decaens first offered to define “smart […]
Sports and fitness wear market growth
January 9th, 2019
The global sports and fitness wear market is expected to post a CAGR of over five percent during the period of 2019–2023, according to the latest market research report by Technavio. A key factor driving the growth of the market is the rising number of sports tournaments. The growing interest in sports activities globally has […]
Two in one: double-duty textile could warm or cool
March 1st, 2018
Imagine one jacket that could keep you warm or cool, no matter the weather. Scientists at Stanford University have developed a reversible fabric that does just that, depending on which side is facing out. The research team, led by Yi Cui, professor of materials science and engineering, was interested in developing ways to promote energy […]