Smart Textiles

"‘Smart’ or ‘Functional’ materials usually form part of a ‘Smart System’ that has the capability to sense its environment and the effects thereof and, if truly smart, to respond to that external stimulus via an active control mechanism. Often, the sensing function alone is taken as sufficient to constitute ‘smartness’. Smart materials and systems occupy a highly interactive ‘technology space’ which also includes the areas of sensors and actuators, together with other generic platform technologies such as biomimetics and nanotechnology. Additional, more narrowly defined related topics, such as ‘tagging’, also sit in this technology space." (Sharon Baurley, STN, 2005)

The increasing convergence between different areas of science, technology and textiles is providing a catalyst for further innovation in development of fibres and textiles that are truly intelligent in their ability to interact with their environment and have the ability to modify their functionality in response to changing stimuli and conditions. A wide range of technology enablers including sensors and polymeric semi-conductors and actuators are in production or under development. Electroactive actuator and sensor polymers are also in development with advancements in the areas of nanotechnology creating new possibilities to enhance functionality.

Potential applications for ‘Smart’ textiles are far ranging including healthcare and telemedicine; military, police and emergency service equipment; entertainment, sports and leisure; and fashion wear. Wearable electronics will support the development of distributed computing and communications systems and provide private and public benefits across society.

A multi-disciplinary workshop was held on 24, 25 January 2006.

Sensory perception fabric ?

Some links to IMI contributors:

Also available to download:

Report from a recent IMI/EPSRC workshop on Smart Textiles