E-textiles

The triboelectric effect is a phenomenon where a charge is generated on two dissimilar materials when the materials are moved apart after being in contact with each other. Triboelectric nanogenerators use this effect to convert mechanical motion into electrical energy. The compactness of TENGs allows them to be used as wearable devices that can harness the motion of the body to power electronics.

Cionic, a company committed to improving the lives of people with mobility differences by helping them move more independently through bionic clothing, has conducted trials in the San Francisco Bay Area that resulted in an average improvement of 143% to foot drop across trial participants of Cionic's Neural Sleeve gait study.

"Robotic" textiles could help performers and athletes train their breathing, and potentially help patients recovering from postsurgery breathing changes.

Bioelectrical sensors on the skin can be used to measure electrical signals in the body, like heart activity and muscle contraction. While that provides valuable information for clinicians, current bioelectrical sensor technology can be ineffective, uncomfortable, expensive, and difficult to manufacture.

Absorbing the movement from the body, these super-smart textiles will not only power electronic components, but also act as self-powered functional sensors that are able to accurately sense the movements of targeted body parts.

There's no need to don uncomfortable smartwatches or chest straps to monitor your heart if your comfy shirt can do a better job. That's the idea behind "smart clothing" developed by a university lab, which employed its conductive nanotube thread to weave functionality into regular apparel.

LifeBooster announced the closing of an investment round from local, international, and strategic investors, including W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.. The investment will enable LifeBooster to extend their lead in connected worker risk analytics technology.

Cholesteric liquid crystals, a man-made material with properties between liquids and solid crystals, can mimic the colors of butterfly wings. Liquid crystals are used in televisions and smartphones, but future applications for healthcare sensors or decorative lighting are difficult as the materials can't be used in advanced, rapid production methods like 3D printing.

The emerging field of printed electronics promises to radically change the way we view and use electronics through energy- and cost-efficient printing of electronic inks onto everyday surfaces such as paper and textiles. However, a severe problem from a sustainability perspective is that many current inks used during the printing include solvents that are unsafe and damaging for both workers and the environment.