#Smart Textiles

2021-09-01

Smart surfaces create smarter HMIs, finds strategy analytics

Figure 1. BAPV Smart Wall (Image Source: Wikipedia)

Strategy Analytics - Smart surfaces and materials are the building blocks to smart buildings, smart transportation and smart cities. By integrating technology directly into the fabric of everyday objects such as walls, clothing and vehicles, the environment in which consumers operate will become inherently intelligent. While applications of smart technology can be far reaching, most focus is currently found within transportation, construction and healthcare industries.

Employing Smart Surfaces Maximizes Efficiencies of Operation in Construction, Transportation and Healthcare Industries

A new report from the Strategy Analytics’ User Experience Strategies (UXS) service, “Can smart surfaces create smarter HMIs? Advances & use cases”, highlights broad and specific advancements in smart surfaces and materials which have the most impact on future use cases for personal devices, smart home devices, the automotive industry, and as the technology continues to evolve.

Commented Diane O’Neill, Director UXIP and report author, "Smart surfaces and materials have the ability to collect information from embedded sensors that can be used to feed into AI, support big data and facilitate machine learning. All this working towards the goal of automating life and making the world a more efficient, safer and sustainable place to live. So, in almost every application, the purpose of a smart surface or textile is to save space, save cost, or simplify a process. Employing smart surfaces to replace cumbersome additions has opened new opportunities and many more use cases such as enabling advanced HMI, generating energy, and enabling infrastructure for ‘new’ technologies such as 5G, AI, cloud and edge computing.

Continued O’Neill, “Moreover, the application of smart surfaces in all industries works to enhance UX. This includes improving aesthetics, maximizing efficiencies of operation, self-cleaning, and privacy/sound reduction. Smart surfaces may also alleviate fears around usability, safety, and manufacturability through touch sensors with haptic feedback.

Added Lisa Cooper, Director UXS, “All new technologies take time to proliferate. But the forerunners of smart technology are wearables and touchscreens and specifically, the way in which users interact with these devices. Innovations around these concepts have resulted in the popularity of devices with specific HMI, and this lends itself perfectly to the acceptance and proliferation of future more innovative technologies that may be inherently ‘smart’.”

Performance Apparels: Functional textiles drive innovation at Techtextil 2026

From high-performance fibres and advanced membranes to smart textiles and sustainable material concepts – functional apparel is becoming one of the most dynamic innovation fields in technical textiles. At Techtextil 2026, exhibitors demonstrate how new materials, finishing technologies and digital functions are shaping the next generation of protective, workwear and outdoor systems.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI reshape textile processing

Investment decisions in textile processing have become increasingly complex. Rising energy prices, labour shortages and geopolitical uncertainties are forcing companies to prioritise technologies that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and process stability. This applies not only to apparel production, but also to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. Modernisation projects are therefore being evaluated more selectively – but the pressure to upgrade production systems continues to grow. Texprocess 2026 reflects this tension between cautious investment behaviour and increasing technological demand.

Textile Chemicals & Dyes: Innovation in Textile Chemistry moves into focus at Techtextil 2026

From PFAS-free finishes and water-saving dyeing technologies to advanced coatings and recycling-compatible formulations, innovation in textile chemistry is accelerating across the industry. Reflecting this development, Techtextil 2026 introduces Textile Chemicals & Dyes as a dedicated product segment, highlighting the growing role of chemical solutions in shaping the next generation of technical textiles.

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

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.

LineONE – Smart performance, smart investment at Techtextil 2026

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt (April 21–24, Hall 12, Booth C79), AUTEFA Solutions will present its LineONE concepts for cost-efficient nonwoven production. As a full-line supplier for nonwoven production lines, AUTEFA Solutions covers the entire process chain – from fibre opening through to web bonding. With its LineONE line concepts, the company combines proven technologies into well-balanced, cost-efficient turnkey solutions. These concepts are designed for capacity expansions, modernisation projects and new production lines, offering robust design and high flexibility for applications such as filtration, geotextiles and automotive.

EU and Australia strengthen relations with Security and Defence Partnership and Trade Agreement

The EU and Australia have today announced the adoption of a groundbreaking Security and Defence Partnership. They have also concluded negotiations for an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) and agreed to launch formal negotiations for the association of Australia to Horizon Europe, the world's largest funding programme for research and innovation. With these steps, the EU and Australia are delivering mutually beneficial outcomes and further reinforcing their already close relations in a time of geopolitical uncertainty.

DuPont introduces Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, setting a new benchmark for extreme breathability

DuPont (NYSE:DD) announced the launch of the Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, the first in a new generation of extremely breathable disposable chemical protection garments. Manufactured using DuPont™ Tyvek® APX™ groundbreaking fabric, the new garment combines 360° protection and durability with extreme breathability, taking worker comfort and safety to a whole new level.