#Smart Textiles

2021-07-01

Chronolife and Chugai Pharma France to develop a smart textile for the monitoring of joint pathologies

Chronolife, MedTech and service operator for the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic diseases, and the Chugai Pharma France laboratory announce a collaboration to develop a smart textile that will assess the long-term joint health of patients.

Initiated as part of the second season of the Digital Pharma Lab programme, the partnership between Chronolife and the Chugai Pharma France laboratory aims to develop a smart textile for “real-life” monitoring of the impact of chronic pathologies on patients' articular health.

The purpose of this device is to enable remote assistance and diagnosis in order to promote the "continuum of care" between the hospital, the ambulatory and a patient's home. If successful, real-time processing of qualified alerts will enable rapid and appropriate therapeutic decisions to be made in the event of significant variations in the state of patients' joint health, with the aim to significantly improve their quality of life.

"We are very proud to support Chugai Pharma France in this ambitious project. It is a recognition of Chronolife's expertise in the design and development of innovative connected medical devices, applicable to specific use cases. This project is a continuation of our Keesense™ solution, a multiparametric connected t-shirt, certified CE Class Ila, that provides remote monitoring for patients with chronic cardiac, respiratory pathologies or Covid patients.", says Laurent Vandebrouck, CEO of Chronolife.

"It is with great enthusiasm and humility that we start this innovative project with Chronolife. With enthusiasm as we hope to be able to provide an innovative and concrete solution aiming at improving the follow-up and joint health of patients. With humility because this is an exploratory and experimental initiative and we cannot at this stage predict the results. Transforming an innovative idea into a concrete solution will be an exciting journey and perfectly reflects the pioneering spirit that drives us at Chugai Pharma France." says Nicolas Henriot, President of Chugai Pharma France.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Catching heart disease early with AI-based sensor system

It slips on like a normal vest: Fraunhofer IZM has created a smart sensor system in cooperation with the Charité and the Technical University of Berlin. The vest records a vast array of cardiovascular parameters, which an AI-based system uses to support medical diagnostics and spot potentially dangerous developments.

Intelligent textiles for construction, architecture and mobility: Smart Textiles User Forum in Stuttgart

When textiles are equipped with electronic components, conductive yarns and textile sensors, the application possibilities are almost unlimited. These high-tech textiles are a global growth market. In Stuttgart, manufacturers, users and researchers presented amazing examples of applications in construction, architecture and mobility. The appropriate standards ensure quality and safety.

Eastman Naia™ debuts at Kingpins Amsterdam, transforming Denim from the inside out

At Kingpins Amsterdam (April 15–16, 2026), Naia™ by Eastman Chemical Company makes its debut, presenting its approach to circularity and comfort in denim at Stand 1, Ground Level (Blue Area). The brand also highlights its growing global ecosystem, connecting mill partners, designers and brands working to expand denim possibilities through fiber innovation.

ISKO introduces a new chapter of denim innovation at Kingpins Amsterdam with FW 27/28

At Kingpins Amsterdam, ISKO presents its latest FW27/28 collection, a forward-looking exploration of denim that merges advanced color technologies, innovative fabric engineering, and contemporary finishing techniques. Designed to meet the evolving demands of the industry, the collection reflects ISKO’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of authenticity, performance, and responsible innovation, while also embracing a strong lifestyle perspective.

Asahi Kasei Advance to showcase high-performance non-woven and fibers at Techtextil 2026

Asahi Kasei Advance will present its portfolio of high-performance nonwovens, flame-retardant fabrics, and advanced textile and fiber solutions designed for various industries during its first-ever exhibition at Techtextil 2026. Techtextil is the leading international trade show for technical textiles and nonwovens, taking place from April 21-24, 2026, in Frankfurt, Germany. Asahi Kasei Advance will highlight 14 brands, with special focus on four key materials as its debut at the exhibition in Hall 12.1 at booth C35.

VEIT Group presents product highlights and innovations at Texprocess 2026

At Texprocess 2026 in Frankfurt am Main (April 21–24, Hall 8.0, Stand A18), the VEIT Group presents its latest solutions and product highlights for the industrial production of clothing and the processing of technical textiles. The focus is on efficient technologies for ironing, pressing, fusing, laminating and textile refinishing processes, covering applications from the apparel industry through to technical textiles as well as interior and automotive sectors.