#Smart Textiles

2021-07-05

IVAM Hightech Summit 2021: Virtual microtechnology conference on August 25 and 26

The IVAM Hightech Summit is the central microtechnology conference where international experts from micro and nanotechnology come together once a year. The latest developments and products are presented and the challenges of the future are intensively discussed. In recent years, digitalization has been the central theme of the event. This year, the IVAM Hightech Summit will take place as a purely digital event on August 25 and 26, 2021.

Efficiently generate leads by information, presentation and networking

The central aim of the event is to establish contacts efficiently. Companies and institutes will have the opportunity to present their products, find customers, suppliers and research partners and talk about upcoming projects in the virtual space. At the heart of the event will be the technical conference program focusing on microfluidics, medical technology, wearables, organic electronics, and optics and photonics. The digital supporting program includes virtual networking areas as well as an exhibition area with company presentations and live video chats.

Participation in the IVAM Hightech Summit can be booked now

Interested companies can now register for "Hightech Packages" at the IVAM Microtechnology Network. In addition to a presentation slot in the program and conference tickets for employees, the packages also include a digital "Brand Space" with upload and presentation options as well as live video chat functions and guaranteed leads by capturing the contact details of all interested visitors.

IVAM members as well as members of partner associations receive the conference packages at a preferential price. Additionally, extended sponsorship packages are available.

Registration for companies:

https://www.ivam-hightech-summit.com/company-registration/

Registration for visitors:

https://www.ivam-hightech-summit.com/visitor-registration/

Further information:

https://www.ivam-hightech-summit.com/

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Covestro, FILK Freiberg, and OUT e.V. develop flexible, conductive polymer smart textile system

As the smart textiles market continues to grow across healthcare, personal protection, sportswear, and automotive applications, developers are seeking new ways to integrate electronic functionality directly into textiles, without the rigidity and complexity of conventional wiring. To address this challenge, FILK Freiberg Institute, an independent research institution with expertise in polymer coatings for textile applications, collaborated with Optotransmitter-Umweltschutz-Technologie (OUT) e.V. The joint project, funded under the German Industrielle Gemeinschaftsforschung (IGF) program of the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWE), focused on developing flexible, conductive polymer surfaces for next-generation smart textiles.

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.

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.

TM WEFT, 270" – More width, more design freedom for the fashion world

KARL MAYER is expanding its successful TM WEFT series with an innovative model that opens up new possibilities, particularly in the fashion & apparel sectors. With a working width of 270", this new machine with weft-insertion not only offers significantly higher output than its narrower counterparts but is also specifically tailored to the demands of dynamic clothing market – particularly in China and Türkiye. A well-thought-out upgrade also ensures even greater design versatility.