Expanding Opportunities for Smart Textiles

Expanding Opportunities for Smart Textiles

Materials able to Adapt and Respond to Changing Environmental Materials able to Adapt and Respond to Changing Environmental ConditionsConditions

Peter Adrian, Principal AnalystPeter Adrian, Principal Analyst

Technical Insights

June 19, 2014

© 2014 Frost & Sullivan. All rights reserved. This document contains highly confidential information and is the sole property of Frost & Sullivan. No part of it may be circulated, quoted, copied or otherwise reproduced without the written approval of Frost & Sullivan.

Today’s Presenter

Peter Adrian, Principal Analyst

Frost & Sullivan

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Over 25 years of market research, consulting, interviewing and analysis experience. Particular expertise in

sensors and sensor-based fabrics/materials, homeland security, nanotechnology, advanced manufacturing

Extensive experience in identifying and assessing opportunities or challenges for new or emerging

technologies

Agenda

• Significance of Smart Textiles

• Definition of Smart Textiles

• Key Current and Future Trends

• Key Drivers and Challenges

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• Key Application Areas

• Smart Textiles Market

• Key Developments or Activities

• Summary

Source: Frost & Sullivan Analysis

Significance of Smart Textiles

• Smart textiles represent a key emerging technology with vibrant growth opportunities. Such materialscan reinvigorate the textile industry, providing value-added hi-tech products

• Smart textiles will increasingly impact applications such as healthcare, sports and fitness, fashion andentertainment, military/defense, homeland security

• Smart textiles is a key building block of wearable electronics (devices small enough to be worn on the

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• Smart textiles is a key building block of wearable electronics (devices small enough to be worn on thebody), which have been proliferating in the marketplace

• Smart textiles will generate opportunities for various types of stakeholders, including developers,providers, or integrators of materials, nanotechnology, sensors, energy harvesters, and sensing orcommunications electronics

• This presentation will highlight key trends, developments, and opportunities in smart textiles.


What is a Smart Textile?

• Smart textiles are materials that can react or adapt to external stimuli or changing environmentalconditions.

• The stimuli can include changes in temperature, moisture, pH, chemical sources, electric or magneticfields, or stress.

• Advanced smart textiles can have embedded computing, digital components, electronics, energy

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• Advanced smart textiles can have embedded computing, digital components, electronics, energysupply, and sensors.

• Basic components of smart textiles include sensors and actuators

• There is a need to be able to more seamlessly integrate the manufacturing of the textiles and theelectronics, and for conducting materials with greater flexibility


Key Current and Future Trends in Smart Textiles

Smart textiles currently tend to use conducting or semiconducting yarns, as well as fabrics sensitive to deformation

Materials can include optical fibers, conductive polymers, metals, or nanoparticle coatings (to provide water-repellency, UV

protection, self-cleaning, or anti-bacterial properties).

Other innovative materials include auxetic materials, which, under stress, expand in a perpendicular direction of the applied force;and quantum tunneling composites—an electrically conductive material that combines metal fillers and elastomeric binders and isable to transform from an insulator into a conductor under applied pressure.

A key market and growth area for smart textiles has been designs for personal protective and military clothing.

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• Promising materials for smart textiles include carbon nanotubes (for enhancing mechanical properties); embedded fiber opticsfor healthcare monitoring, as well as photovoltaic fibers for supplying energy. Nanotechnology can enable integration of theenergy supply, communication, and protection into textiles

• Opportunities for E-textiles (textiles with electronic properties in the textile fibers) using such materials as carbon nanotubesthat can provide renewable power and data communications.

• Sports and fitness and healthcare (e.g., home health monitoring) applications are anticipated to experience more rapid growthin the

• smart textiles market, at least over the relative short term

•

Source: Frost & Sullivan

Analysis

Deployment of personal protection garments (e.g., physiological and location

monitoring) for first responders; E-textiles for

military; Further

Greater proliferation in healthcare (tele-health);

flexible electronic or photonic components,

Greater use of CNTs

Technology Roadmap-Smart Textiles

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2014 2019 2024

Personal protective and Military clothing design and testing; Health and Fitness;

lighted textiles

military; Further advancements in energy harvesting and storage


Key Drivers

Conductive materialsfor integrating

Need for improved fitness

and athleticperformanceData

networks/energy harvesting in uniforms can

reduce batteryand cable

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for integrating electronics;

Enhancements In wireless technology(e.g., Bluetooth Low

Energy)for communication with

devices

Can facilitate tele-medicine to

reduce healthcarecosts

Miniaturization ofelectronic

components

weight

Boosts opportunities in the

Textile industry through innovation


Ease of

Incorporating power

Need for standardization in

product design and manufacture

Need easy integration for

garment makers

Need userfriendliness; and performance and safety standards

for products

Key Challenges

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supplies

Incompatibility of textile and electronics

Manufacturing processes


Key Applications

Healthcare (including home

monitoring)

Protection and Military Clothing

Automotive & Transportation (e.g.,

heated seats).

Fashion/LightedTextiles

Growth Applications include Sports and Fitness; Healthcare; Protective Clothing; Fashion/Lighted textiles

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Sports and FitnessArchitecture/InfrastructureConstruction/Home.etc.

Future Applications include automotive smart textile interfaces such as an electroluminescent pattern on steering wheel to inform driver about ecological driving perfromance or fatigue

detection interface (thermochromic pattern on dashboard to notify driver about physical condition); robotics (e.g.. E-textiles allowing huminoid robots to match

their color to that of those they are among); security; architecture (e.g., hospital interiors); infrastructure

Future Applications include automotive smart textile interfaces such as an electroluminescent pattern on steering wheel to inform driver about ecological driving perfromance or fatigue

detection interface (thermochromic pattern on dashboard to notify driver about physical condition); robotics (e.g.. E-textiles allowing huminoid robots to match

their color to that of those they are among); security; architecture (e.g., hospital interiors); infrastructure


Smart Textile Market

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Key Developments: Wearable Smart Textile Devices or Garments

• Monitors heart rate, oxygen level, skin temperature,

sleep quality, provides rollover alert.

• Uses Bluetooth 4.0 to wirelessly transmit information

over the phone. USB plug -in can be attached to a

computer.

• Monitors heart rate, oxygen level, skin temperature,

sleep quality, provides rollover alert.

• Uses Bluetooth 4.0 to wirelessly transmit information

over the phone. USB plug -in can be attached to a

computer.

Owlet Baby Monitor (Smart Sock)Owlet Baby Monitor (Smart Sock)

• Wearable touch technology that simulates the feeling of

a hug via application of lateral air pressure.

• Helps people with sensory processing disorders, such as

autism, and attention deficit disorder ,calm down in times

of stress or anxiety

• The amount of pressure applied by the jacket can be

remotely controlled via smart phone or tablet.

• Wearable touch technology that simulates the feeling of

a hug via application of lateral air pressure.

• Helps people with sensory processing disorders, such as

autism, and attention deficit disorder ,calm down in times

of stress or anxiety

• The amount of pressure applied by the jacket can be

remotely controlled via smart phone or tablet.

T.JacketT.Jacket

• By tapping the thumb to finger touch pads along the

sides of the glove’s fingers, can play or pause music,

• By tapping the thumb to finger touch pads along the


BearTek Gloves (from Blue Infusion Technologies)BearTek Gloves (from Blue Infusion Technologies)

Move (from ElectricFoxy) Move (from ElectricFoxy)

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skip forward/back, fast forward/rewind and accept or

reject calls, using Bluetooth wireless sync module.


skip forward/back, fast forward/rewind and accept or

reject calls, using Bluetooth wireless sync module.• The garment includes4 stretch and bend sensors that

read the body’s position and muscle movement and , it

offers haptic feedback for correction

• Garment connects to mobile app. The platform connects

to cloud service for data tracking

• Facilitates optimized, precise movement.

• The garment includes4 stretch and bend sensors that

read the body’s position and muscle movement and , it

offers haptic feedback for correction

• Garment connects to mobile app. The platform connects

to cloud service for data tracking

• Facilitates optimized, precise movement.

• Sensor Insole measures pressure distribution and

acceleration and motion sequences.

• Integrates 13 capacitive pressure sensors, a 3D

acceleration

• sensor and a temperature sensor.

• Wireless data transmission to a PC Applications include

sports, rehabilitation.

• Sensor Insole measures pressure distribution and

acceleration and motion sequences.

• Integrates 13 capacitive pressure sensors, a 3D

acceleration

• sensor and a temperature sensor.

• Wireless data transmission to a PC Applications include

sports, rehabilitation.

Sensor Insole (Moticon)Sensor Insole (Moticon)

• .E-textile sensor-filled sock: tracks activity, speed, stride,

distance, calories, and how foot lands on the

• ground.

• .E-textile sensor-filled sock: tracks activity, speed, stride,

distance, calories, and how foot lands on the

• ground.

Sensoria Smart Sock (Heapsalon)Sensoria Smart Sock (Heapsalon)


Key Developments: Wearable Smart Textile Devices or Garments (continued)

• Chest-worn heart rate monitor uses a conductive textile

strap

• Chest-worn heart rate monitor uses a conductive textile

strap

Viiiiva Heart rate monitor (4iiii Innovations)Viiiiva Heart rate monitor (4iiii Innovations)

• Ankle wrap (placed around running shoes) and vest.

Measures impact force, degree of pronation,

orientation of the foot.

• Measurements, taken up to 400 times per second,

are used to determine the optimal shoe for the user.

• Used in a retail environment to help customer choose

the right running shoes

• Ankle wrap (placed around running shoes) and vest.

Measures impact force, degree of pronation,

orientation of the foot.

• Measurements, taken up to 400 times per second,

are used to determine the optimal shoe for the user.

• Used in a retail environment to help customer choose

the right running shoes

Achillex System (Xybermind) Achillex System (Xybermind)

• Includes sensors that measure heart rate, breathing,

movement ,activity, steps walked. Data module records and

streams biometric data wirelessly to a smart phone. Shirt

has anti-microbial treatment for odor control and moisture

• Includes sensors that measure heart rate, breathing,

movement ,activity, steps walked. Data module records and

streams biometric data wirelessly to a smart phone. Shirt


Biometric Shirt (OMSignal)Biometric Shirt (OMSignal)

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management.


management.

• Sensor-filled smart shirt tracks health and fitness.

Measures

• ECG (heart rate), breathing rate and volume, activity level,

(steps, cadence, calories), sleep position.

• The smart shirt has 3 fabric-based stretchable sensors,

including a 3-axis accelerometer

• Shirt connects to a small, light-weight device.

• Sensor-filled smart shirt tracks health and fitness.

Measures

• ECG (heart rate), breathing rate and volume, activity level,

(steps, cadence, calories), sleep position.

• The smart shirt has 3 fabric-based stretchable sensors,

including a 3-axis accelerometer

• Shirt connects to a small, light-weight device.

Smart Shirt (Carre Technologies’ Hexoskin)Smart Shirt (Carre Technologies’ Hexoskin)


Other Representative Developments in Smart Textile-Based Products

• Electro-conductive textile fibers conduct heat for soft, gentle

heat distribution without hot spots. Applications include

floor heating, furniture, bedding, bath fixtures, work and

sports clothing, auto seat heaters, etc.

• Electro-conductive textile fibers conduct heat for soft, gentle

heat distribution without hot spots. Applications include

floor heating, furniture, bedding, bath fixtures, work and

sports clothing, auto seat heaters, etc.

FiberThermics Heaters (Thermosoft International)FiberThermics Heaters (Thermosoft International)

• The Quantum Tunneling Composite (QTC™)

pressure/force sensing or switching material, developed

and patented by Peratech, is composed of filler particles

combined with an elastomeric binder (typically silicone

rubber). When placed under pressure, the material is able

to change from an electrical insulator to a metal-like

conductor. In an unstressed state, the material is an

excellent insulator. Under deformation, the material

begins to conduct. With sufficient pressure, metallic

• The Quantum Tunneling Composite (QTC™)

pressure/force sensing or switching material, developed

and patented by Peratech, is composed of filler particles

combined with an elastomeric binder (typically silicone

rubber). When placed under pressure, the material is able

to change from an electrical insulator to a metal-like

conductor. In an unstressed state, the material is an

excellent insulator. Under deformation, the material


Quantum Tunneling Composite™ (Peratech Ltd.) Quantum Tunneling Composite™ (Peratech Ltd.)

• As part of the 10.2 M euro (about US$13.8 M at the current

exchange rate) Polytect project (which ended in 2010),

• As part of the 10.2 M euro (about US$13.8 M at the current


Seismic Wallpaper (D’Appolonia and partners)Seismic Wallpaper (D’Appolonia and partners)

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conductivity levels can be attained.

• Advantages over carbon conductive composites include

ability to be used as a solid-state switch (in the off state, it

is a good insulator; in the on state, it is a good metal

conductor); can detect very small changes due to

compression, tension, etc.; able to carry significant current.

• The QTC material has been used in jackets and knapsacks

for such applications as iPod control. Peratech is not

currently very active in smart textiles. In smart textiles

using conductive fabrics, the cost of the sensor can be a

high percentage of the total garment cost.


conductivity levels can be attained.

• Advantages over carbon conductive composites include

ability to be used as a solid-state switch (in the off state, it

is a good insulator; in the on state, it is a good metal

conductor); can detect very small changes due to

compression, tension, etc.; able to carry significant current.

• The QTC material has been used in jackets and knapsacks

for such applications as iPod control. Peratech is not

currently very active in smart textiles. In smart textiles

using conductive fabrics, the cost of the sensor can be a

high percentage of the total garment cost.


developed seismic wallpaper—an intelligent composite for

reinforcement, strengthening, as well as monitoring of civil

infrastructure vulnerable to earthquakes. Embedded

sensors could be used for fiber optic static or dynamic

measurements.

• ......


developed seismic wallpaper—an intelligent composite for

reinforcement, strengthening, as well as monitoring of civil

infrastructure vulnerable to earthquakes. Embedded

sensors could be used for fiber optic static or dynamic

measurements.

• ......

Roctest and TenCate have collaborated on development of the

Geodetect geotextile monitoring solution. Fiber optic sensor

technologies (e.g., fiber Bragg gratings, Brillouin or Raman

scattering) can be built into GeoDetect to measure strain,

strain and temperature, or temperature in soil structures

• ......

• ......

Roctest and TenCate have collaborated on development of the

Geodetect geotextile monitoring solution. Fiber optic sensor

technologies (e.g., fiber Bragg gratings, Brillouin or Raman

scattering) can be built into GeoDetect to measure strain,

strain and temperature, or temperature in soil structures

• ......

• ......

GeoDetect® (TenCate)GeoDetect® (TenCate)


Other Representative Developments in Smart Textile-Based Products (continued)

• Advances in material science have spearheaded development of smart fabrics with the ability to regulate temperature and

moisture of the fabric or garment. Phase change materials can help manage heat and reduce moisture in textiles for

enhanced comfort.

• Outlast® technology, initially developed for NASA, uses phase change materials to absorb, store and release heat for

maximized thermal comfort. The microencapsulated phase change materials (Thermocules™) are permanently enclosed and

protected in a polymer shell. The Thermocules can be incorporated in fabrics and fibers to absorb, store, and release excess

heat and regulate the skin’s microclimate. Heat is absorbed as the skin get shot and released as the skin cools.

• Advances in material science have spearheaded development of smart fabrics with the ability to regulate temperature and

moisture of the fabric or garment. Phase change materials can help manage heat and reduce moisture in textiles for

enhanced comfort.

• Outlast® technology, initially developed for NASA, uses phase change materials to absorb, store and release heat for

maximized thermal comfort. The microencapsulated phase change materials (Thermocules™) are permanently enclosed and

protected in a polymer shell. The Thermocules can be incorporated in fabrics and fibers to absorb, store, and release excess


Thermal Regulating Smart Fabrics (Outlast Technologies)Thermal Regulating Smart Fabrics (Outlast Technologies)

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• In contrast to wicking technology, which manages moisture by pulling sweat away from the skin, Outlast technology can

proactively manage heat and control moisture production before it starts

• The technology can be incorporated in a coating, inside a fiber, or printed onto flat fabric, depending on the application.

• Suitable applications include bedding; apparel, footwear, seating, other (e.g., body armor, labeling and packaging, construction)


• In contrast to wicking technology, which manages moisture by pulling sweat away from the skin, Outlast technology can

proactively manage heat and control moisture production before it starts

• The technology can be incorporated in a coating, inside a fiber, or printed onto flat fabric, depending on the application.

• Suitable applications include bedding; apparel, footwear, seating, other (e.g., body armor, labeling and packaging, construction)


Other Representative Developments in Smart Textile-Based Products (continued)

• Hövding (Sweden) developed and sells a bicycle helmet in the form of an airbag integrated in a collar for adults who may

be reluctant to wear a helmet that does not look fashionable. The airbag is shaped like a hood and protects the bicyclist’s

head. It is triggered by a gyro sensor that tracks angular rotational shifts and an accelerometer that notes sudden changes

in a cyclist’s speed. Such sensors detect movement indicating an imminent crash. The sensors are powered by lithium ion

polymer batteries. In the event an accident is detected, the airbag inflates and surrounds the head , using an integrated

gas inflator with helium.

• Hövding (Sweden) developed and sells a bicycle helmet in the form of an airbag integrated in a collar for adults who may

be reluctant to wear a helmet that does not look fashionable. The airbag is shaped like a hood and protects the bicyclist’s

head. It is triggered by a gyro sensor that tracks angular rotational shifts and an accelerometer that notes sudden changes

in a cyclist’s speed. Such sensors detect movement indicating an imminent crash. The sensors are powered by lithium ion

polymer batteries. In the event an accident is detected, the airbag inflates and surrounds the head , using an integrated


Bike Helmet Integrated in a CollarBike Helmet Integrated in a Collar

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• The Hövding airbag can be safer than a traditional helmet. The airbag covers a larger area of the head and can cushion

a shock better than a plastic helmet.


• The Hövding airbag can be safer than a traditional helmet. The airbag covers a larger area of the head and can cushion

a shock better than a plastic helmet.


Key Developments: Fiber-Based Flexible Electronic & Photonic Devices

Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology

• Circa 2013, MIT researchers found a way to draw fibers that could potentially allowfabrication of electronic and photonic devices within composite fibers, using a varietyof materials. This approach was used to make a fine thread that functions as adiode.

• The researchers demonstrated a proof-of-concept technique to make new materialsduring the fiber-making process, including those with melting points much higher than

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during the fiber-making process, including those with melting points much higher thanthe temperatures used to process the fibers. It should be possible to incorporatemore complex electronic circuits within the structure of the fiber. The fibers could finduse, for example, as sensors for light, temperature, or other environmental variables;or they might be woven and used to make a solar cell fabric.


Developments: Flexible Silver Nanowire Antenna

North Carolina State University

• Circa 2014, researchers at North Carolina State University developed an antenna forwearable health monitors that can be stretched, rolled, or twisted and can return to itsoriginal shape.

• To create the antenna, silver nanowires were applied in a certain pattern and a liquidpolymer was poured over the nanowires. As the polymer sets, it forms an elastic compositewith the nanowires embedded in the desired pattern. The resulting patterned material formsthe radiating element of the microstrip patch antenna. The radiating layer is bonded to aground layer composed of the same composite but with a continuous layer of embeddedsilver nanowires.

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• By manipulating the form and size of the radiating element, the antenna’s signaltransmission and reception frequency can be controlled. The antenna is able tocommunicate effectively with remote equipment while being stretched. Although theantenna’s frequency changes as it is stretched, its frequency stays within a definedbandwidth, since stretching changes its dimensions.

• The antenna can also be used as a wireless strain gauge, as the frequency changes nearlylinearly with strain.


Developments: EU Ultra Low-Power Body Area Network in Smart Fabric

EU Wear-a-BAN Project)

• Started in June 2010 , with a duration of 29 months, this project demonstrated ultra low-power wireless body area network (BAN) technologies to enable unobtrusive human-to-machine interfaces in smart fabrics/integrated textiles, robotics for augmented reality andrehabilitation, and natural interfacing devices for video gaming.

• The project aimed to use wireless sensor nodes embedded in garments. The teamdeveloped a smart textile solution consisting of a bendable conductive textile-basedantenna that could be readily inserted into garments yet provide excellent performance. Abatch system-in-package concept is used for the physical realization of the antenna andfor the electrical connection between the antenna feeds to the radio module. Embeddedin the module are the icycom RF system on a chip, sensors (accelerometer,magnetometer, gyro, microphone) , a crystal, and a coin-cell battery holder.

• The icycom system-on-chip that was developed as a complete radio (SoC) with digital,analog, radio frequency functions operating at a low 1 V power supply.

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analog, radio frequency functions operating at a low 1 V power supply.

EU Wear-a-BAN Project) (continued)

• The Batmac energy-efficient BAN-oriented communications protocol was developed fornetworking for targeted BAN applications. The Batmac software includes self-organizing,adaptive, and flexible media access control protocol features that automatically detect thesignal-reducing shadowing effect and rapidly adapt the relaying scheduling to BANchanges related to close-to-the-body implementation of sensor nodes.

• Icycom is available for integration into innovative products. The platform can bedelivered with a comprehensive hardware and software development toolset, facilitatingdevelopment of next-generation HMI (human machine interface) and BAN applications.

• Research has been conducted to further reduce the size of the wireless modules by usingMEMS (microelectromechanical systems) devices combined with ICs.


Developments: Firefighting Protective Gear

Globe’s WASP Firefighter Protective

Shirt

• Globe Manufacturing’s WASP (Wearable Advanced Sensor Platform) offers trainingacademies or incident commanders real-time awareness of the physiological status andlocation and tracking of firefighters. The WASP shirt is made of stretch knit fabric; andphysiological sensors are mounted on an adjustable strap embedded within the T-shirt. TheTRX location unit, about the size of a deck of cards, is worn on a belt and provides indoorlocation data in GPS-compromised environments. The Zephyr BioHarness™ 3 electronicmodule attaches to the outside of the shirt and tracks heart rate, respiration rate, activitylevel, and other physiological factors. The integrated system was developed by Zephyr

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level, and other physiological factors. The integrated system was developed by ZephyrTechnology (physiological monitoring), TRX Systems (location tracking), Propel (textiledevelopment), Skidmore College Health and Exercise Sciences (physiology science) withsupport from the US Army NSRDE (Natick Soldier R&D Center).

• This WASP system was beta tested at several facilities in the US and has been slated fordeployment at the Illinois Fire Service Institute in late spring 2014.


Developments: E-Textiles and Wearable Power and Data Network

Soldier-borne Carbon Nanotube

Electrotextile Power and Data Distribution

Network Program

• The Soldier-borne Carbon Nanotube Electrotextile Power and Data Distribution NetworkProgram, funded by the US Army and begun this year, is developing uniforms to serve as adata and power bus.

• The researchers have aready developed a power and data network using copper wire, andplan to develop a network using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), from Nanocomp. They alsoplan to develop a hybrid network that uses copper wire and CNTs. The hybrid network isexpected to be the best performer. CNT conductors are more flexible and durable thancopper; and are more textile-like and wearable. However, the CNTs may not be that easy tointegrate with copper.

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• The network will integrate with kinetic (heel-strike, backpack) and photovoltaic energyharvesting devices and transport data to a central power manager in the soldier’s vest.Initially, the harvesters are expected to be hard wired, but there is interest in wirelesstechnology.

• The data network will be integrated in a standard combat uniform fabric (cotton and nylonblend). The data network will be transparent to the system. The system will be demonstatedby the US Army in around 18 months.


Developments: Energy Harvesting Textiles

University of Bolton: 3D Textile Structures Using Piezo Energy Harvesting Fibers

• Researchers at the University of Bolton in the UK, supported by other universities, havemade advancements in 3D textile structures that use piezoelectric energy harvestingfibers. The knitted piezo generator includes piezoelectric poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)monofilaments as the spacer yarn interconnected between silver coated polyamidemultifilament yarn layers that act as the top and bottom electrodes.The continuouspiezoelectric yarns show high flexibility and high mechanical strength. This acheivementcan enable piezoelectric fiber that can be woven into intricate and complex structures, suchas 3D spacer textiles. The work marks progress in the ability to create wearable structuresthat can look and feel simillar to conventional fibers. The soft, flexible, fiber-based powergenerator provides high energy efficiency, mechanical durability, and comfort and haspromise for such applications as wearable electronic systems and energy harvesters

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promise for such applications as wearable electronic systems and energy harvesterscharged from the ambient environment or via human movement.

• Flexible piezo fibers can generate electricity by harnessing energy created by an impact ormovement, such as a footstep , and then converting such mechanical energy into electricalpower. The Bolton researchers envision havng commercial energy harvesters based onthe 3D textile structures and piezo fibers technology in around 4-5 years.FibrLec, asustainable energy company working with the University of Bolton to commercialize thesmart materials in renewable energy applications, will take the technology to market.


Developments: Smart Fabric Strain Sensing

Footfalls & Heartbeats Ltd. (New Zealand)

• Footfalls and Heartbeats Ltd., an early stage company, has developed a process for manufacturingsmart fabric which uses nano-scale interactions within the textile to make the fabric itself the sensor,avoiding the need for wires or miniature electronics. The process enables control and manipulationof the yarn-to-yarn interaction and the movement of the micromechanical structures that form thebasis of the knitted fabrics.

• The technology combines mathematically determined textile structures using electrically conductiveyearn to form a repeatable, sensitive sensor network. It uses the three dimensional complexity of atextile structure, including interactions of fibers within the yarn itself, to control the electricalresistance characteristics of the sensor structure. The system facilitates customization, allowingvaried sensor shapes and sizes, along with redundancy capability.

• The technology has initially measured tensile and compressive forces (e.g., strain) and temperature.Additional functionality that has been explored includes tracking movement, bio-electrical outputs

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Additional functionality that has been explored includes tracking movement, bio-electrical outputssuch as heart rate, active or passive skeletal muscle signals, blood oxygen saturation.

• The technology can address existing challenges for wearable clothing technology in home-basedhealth monitoring. Such challenges can include the need to maintain flexibility of the textiles whileincorporating sensing and computation modules; unwanted electromagnetic noise; lack of signalstrength; comfort; durability. Auckland University of Technology and crown research instituteAgResearch were involved in developing the fabric.

• Potential applications can include, for example, compression socks for wound care management,compression bandages for chronic leg ulcers, aged care, worker injury monitoring, medical devices,ambulatory ECG (electrocardiography) or EMG (electromyography), injury rehabilitation, athletemonitoring, human interfaces for robotics, measurement of mechanical stress in compositestructures such as satellites, aircraft wings, wind turbine blades, yacht hulls or foils, highperformance car chassis.


Developments: EU PASTA Project

Platform for Advanced Smart Textile Applications

• Four year project started at end of 2010 with the final outcome expected in 2014.Coordinated by imec (Belgium). Will build on results of the STELLA (StretchableElectronics for Large Area Applications) project.

• PASTA combines research on electronic packaging and interconnection technology withresearch on an innovative approach to smart textiles. The aim is to enable a seamless,more comfortable and robust integration of electronics into textiles. Key focus areas fordevelopment have included a new concept for bare die integration into a yarn viamicromachining, new interconnect technology based on mechanical crimping, anddevelopment of a stretchable interposer that serves as a stress relief interface between therigid component and the fabric. A range of components are to be covered, spanning ultra-

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rigid component and the fabric. A range of components are to be covered, spanning ultra-small LEDS to complex multi-chip modules. Power distribution and system partitioning willbe addressed to provide a comprehensive solution for integration of a distributedsensor/actuator system into fabric.

• The Diabolo concept and process aims to provide a direct connection from a chip assemblyto external wires without using the traditional bonding and packaging stage. Via a limitedset of wafer scale operations, one or several chip dies can be assembled and connected toconductive wires directly form the chip’s surface. A fully processed Diabolo assembly resultsin a spool of chips connected to a flexible wire that can be incorporated into materialsthrough taping, weaving, knitting, extrusion or inclusion in a liquid phase before curing.Such a smart string could be integrated into a textile yearn using twisting technology toreinforce the mechanical strain resistance or inserted directly in a pre-equipped textile.


Developments: EU PASTA Project (continued)

Platform for Advanced Smart Textile Applications

Applications addressed by the PASTA consortium include:

• Home textile safety (textile-based lighting with LEDs integrated in a textile for aestheticevacuation lighting);

• Bed linen incorporating moisture sensors and others in a sensor grid to monitorhumidity and detect change in body position for hospital or home care;

• Technical textile for monitoring strain in composites;

• RFID s for textile process monitoring (integration of RFID tags into textiles during

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• RFID s for textile process monitoring (integration of RFID tags into textiles duringtextile manufacturing to allow greater feedback about the process and facilitate anti-counterfeiting);

• Seat heating system with integrated microtechnology sensors (temperature sensorintegrated in the heating textile having conductive yarns to generate heat; integratedseta occupant detection sensors to control heat speed and spread of heat to wherethe user sits). Such seat heaters could be used in seats for cars, construction vehicles,electrical cars where power consumption should be limited.


Key Take-Aways and Recommendations

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Key growth markets for smart textiles include sports & fitness, healthcare as well as military/defense. There are also opportunities for smart textiles in such areas a personal protective equipment for first responders, and, over time, in applications such as transportation, etc.

Key growth markets for smart textiles include sports & fitness, healthcare as well as military/defense. There are also opportunities for smart textiles in such areas a personal protective equipment for first responders, and, over time, in applications such as transportation, etc.

Over the forecast period, increasing opportunities will exist for active smart materials containing low-power sensors, electronics, and energy sources and energy harvesting capabilityOver the forecast period, increasing opportunities will exist for active smart materials containing low-power sensors, electronics, and energy sources and energy harvesting capability

Smart textiles are finding expanding opportunities in key application segments, such as personal protection clothing, military & defense, fashion and entertainment, healthcare, and so onSmart textiles are finding expanding opportunities in key application segments, such as personal protection clothing, military & defense, fashion and entertainment, healthcare, and so on

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E-textiles with power and data distribution capabilities will emerge and find opportunities in such areas as military uniforms. E-textiles with power and data distribution capabilities will emerge and find opportunities in such areas as military uniforms.

There will be increasing opportunities to implement advanced materials (such as carbon nanotubes or embedded optical fibers), and fibers that provide an energy sourceThere will be increasing opportunities to implement advanced materials (such as carbon nanotubes or embedded optical fibers), and fibers that provide an energy source

It is recommended that smart textile developers or providers focus on making the manufacture of textiles and electronics more compatibleIt is recommended that smart textile developers or providers focus on making the manufacture of textiles and electronics more compatible


Key Take-Aways and Recommendations

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For example, Hövding was founded by two individuals who, as graduate students studying Industrial Design at theUniversity of Lund, investigated the concept of developing a bicycle helmet that people would be pleased to wear inresponse to a law mandating use for children up to the age of 15 in Sweden, which triggered a debate on whethercycle helmets should also be mandatory for adults .

For example, Hövding was founded by two individuals who, as graduate students studying Industrial Design at theUniversity of Lund, investigated the concept of developing a bicycle helmet that people would be pleased to wear inresponse to a law mandating use for children up to the age of 15 in Sweden, which triggered a debate on whethercycle helmets should also be mandatory for adults .

Smart textile developers can also benefit from creatively focusing on addressing a market need, rather thandeveloping technology in search of an application.Smart textile developers can also benefit from creatively focusing on addressing a market need, rather thandeveloping technology in search of an application.

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