#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’.”

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.

Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) is proud to announce that Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, has been signed into law by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. This groundbreaking legislation establishes the country’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling program, marking a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat waste and promote sustainability.

Modtissimo promotes sustainability with 28 coordinates in the Green Circle

Modtissimo is proving more and more to be a textile and clothing show that delivers the latest innovations in the area of sustainability, with the iTechStyle Green Circle being the main showcase for companies' creations. In this 60+4 edition, taking place on 12 and 13 September, 28 coordinates will be exhibited in a section organised by CITEVE and curated by Paulo Gomes.

The EU and Egypt team up to mobilise private sector investments at Investment Conference and sign a Memorandum of Understanding underpinning €1 billion in macro-financial assistance for Egypt

At the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, co-organised by the EU and the Government of Egypt on 29-30 June, the EU and Egypt are teaming up to intensify private sector investments in Egypt. They are also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement to Egypt of up to €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.

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.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.