Smart textiles links “computer technology and electrical interactivity with textiles” (Hibbert, 2004, p.99). “…materials and structures that sense and react to environmental conditions or stimuli”, such as touch, heat, chemicals, electrical and other sources (Smart technology, 2003). (Human synthesizer - textile Display from Phillips lumalive, 2009) (G tech smart fabric wireless keyboard) (Stylish cool commwear jacket from Kjus, 2009) Soft touch light dimmers turn high tech into high touch, 2007)
Many examples of smart textiles use “conductive thread, fabric switches, and knitted, woven or non-woven structures incorporating embroidered pressure sensors” (Hibbert, 2004, p.99). A trigger or stimulus (such as touch or a change in your heart rhythm) will be analysed and evaluated and then generate a reaction or response (Smart technology, 2003). E-textile DIY material, 2009)
New uses for smart textiles are being generated all the time as the technology becomes more accessible. Common uses currently include: Medical Communication and Interaction Fashion Soft Interfaces
Used to monitor vital signs, transmit this data and promote well-being (Hibbert, 2004, p.103). Examples: VivoMetrics Life Shirt Mamagoose baby pyjamas (About lifeshirt) (Mamagoose baby pyjamas, 2003)
Examples No-Contact Jacket Kjus Skiwear Commwear Jacket (‘No contact’ jacket electrifies, 2008) (Stylish cool commwear jacket from Kjus, 2009)
Examples Philips Lumalive (Human synthesizer - textile Display from Phillips lumalive, 2009) ( Philips research shows off technology that displays electronic images on clothes, 2006)
Examples (G tech smart fabric wireless keyboard) Soft touch light dimmers turn high tech into high touch, 2007)
Hibbert, R. (2004). Textile Innovation: interactive, contemporary and traditional materials. London: Line. Smart technology. (2003). Retrieved 14 th August, 2009, from: Human synthesizer – textile display from Phillips lumalive [Image] (2009). Retrieved 14 th August, 2009, from: G tech smart fabric wireless keyboard [Image]. Retrieved 14 th August, 2009, from: tech-smart-fabric-wireless-keyboard/ tech-smart-fabric-wireless-keyboard/ Stylish cool commwear from Kjus [Image] (2009). Retrieved 14 th August, 2009, from: Soft touch light dimmers turn high tech into high touch [Image] (2007). Retrieved 14 th August, 2009, from: E-textile DIY material [Image] (2009). Retrieved 19 th August, 2009, from: About lifeshirt [Image]. Retrieved 19 th August, 2009, from: Mamagoose baby pyjamas [Image]. Retrieved 19 th August, 2009, from: ireland.com/document/?cat=4&doc=4http:// ireland.com/document/?cat=4&doc=4 ‘No contact’ jacket electrifies [Image]. Retrieved 19 th August, 2009, from: Philips research shows off technology that displays electronic images on clothes [Image] (2006). Retrieved 19 th August, 2009, from: