Energy for smart materials and systems
August 12, 2019
New developments address power and its integration into the production process—for whatever applications can be imagined. by Marie O’Mahony The means chosen in energy provision for smart textiles is largely dictated by the application, or, more precisely, the needs and behavior of the user. This is a meaningful development, taking
Read MoreGlobal standards for e-textiles
July 29, 2019
The European market is influencing open international standards development through IPC. by Chris Jorgensen Researchers at the MIT Media Lab have demonstrated three classes of textile sensors exploiting resistive, piezoresistive, and capacitive properties of various textile structures enabled by machine knitting with conductive yarn. The knit sensors are made with
Read MoreProtecting our protectors
July 15, 2019
Slash resistant clothing can reduce the risk of knife injuries and laceration. by Robert Kaiser People throughout history have sought and found the means to protect themselves with specially designed and constructed garments. From furs and chainmail, to leather, metals or fabric, a range of materials has been used creatively
Read MoreProgress in e-textile standards
July 15, 2019
Organizers push for industry participation in the ongoing process. By Janet Preus Work is well underway, progress has been reported, and new initiatives have been launched. At IFAI’s Smart Fabrics Virtual Summit this spring, presenters Chris Jorgensen, IPC, and Stephanie Rodgers, Apex Mills, provided a comprehensive update on the development
Read MoreBringing innovative textiles to market
June 24, 2019
Partnerships all along the supply chain lend critical support in achieving goals. by Marie O’Mahony Rita McGrath, associate professor at Columbia Business School, advises that “change is not the dangerous thing, stability is.” In this second of two articles on innovation, the focus is on factors that can influence the way that
Read MoreWhen innovation succeeds
June 10, 2019
Collaborative, long-term efforts produce successful new products and applications. by Marie O’Mahony The Kjus Hydro_Bot ski jacket is designed for enhanced performance in extreme conditions. It features an individually controlled electronic moisture management system. Photo: Kjus Hydro_Bot . Harvard professor and author of The Innovator’s Dilemma (1997), Clayton M. Christensen,
Read MoreSoft robotics pair with textile technologies
May 20, 2019
New shape memory capabilities have application in several markets. The Wearable Technology Laboratory at the University of Minnesota has been doing research recently in the use of integrated active materials, particularly shape memory materials, used in soft robotics. Photo: UMN Wearable Technology Lab. At last week’s Smart Fabrics Virtual Summit,
Read MoreGrowth meets change in protective textiles
May 20, 2019
Innovating and commercializing to participate in future opportunities. by Seshadri Ramkumar Towelie™ is said to be the first biodegradable oil sorbent technology, functional as a wipe, mat, and a floating sorbent. It was created by engineers and outdoorsmen in the oil and gas industry to reduce the environmental impact of
Read MoreAlmost invisible
May 6, 2019
Protecting the military today requires sophisticated, multifaceted camouflage solutions. by Marie O’Mahony Saab’s Special Operations Tactical Suit (SOTACS) uses a camouflage system that allows stealth operations in hostile environments. The customizable suit has multispectral characteristics and offers cover from a wide range of reconnaissance systems. Photo: © Saab AB. New fabric developments
Read MoreWearables with freedom
April 22, 2019
Movement and health monitoring enters the next generation. Editor’s note: Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) have had a series of breakthroughs in technologies that will improve health and wellness monitoring in smart garments. This article is a compilation of reports on this topic that were released
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