Wearable electronic technologies

Wearable technology consists of wearable electronics, a term that mainly includes simple and more complex electronic devices and their embedding within textile structures. A good example of the popularity of the research subject is the current Qualcomm Tricorder X-Prize competition for the best portable, wireless device that monitors and diagnoses health conditions (XPRIZE, 2014). Undoubtedly, as the aim is that the device monitors such elements as blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature, some of the sensors of the device will come in the form of textile-embedded electronics. 

The third part contains five chapters, with a focus on integrating processes and integrated structures. Chapter 10 provides an overview of the developments and key issues in fibre-optic smart textile composites. Chapter 11 presents hollow fibre membranes for gas separation. Chapter 12 describes embroidery as one way of integrating fibre-formed components into textile structures. Chapters 13 and 14 are on wearable electronic and photonic technologies. Chapter 13 provides insights on adaptive and responsive textile structures (ARTS). Chapter 14 describes the development of an intelligent snowmobile suit. 

MarketsandMarkets, 2013. Wearable Electronics Market and Technology Analysis (2013-2018). http //www.marketsandmarkets.CQm/Market-Reports/wearable-electronics-market-983.html. 

Planar thin-film technology is applied directly on the fabric to develop a FCB. It allows the implementation of a circuit board on a plain fabric patch for wearable electronic applications. It features a soft and flexible impression, just as normal clothes do. 

The potential applications are several and e-textile technologies have a direct link with human body monitoring. Clothes are our own personal house (Van Langenhove, 2007) and there are no other devices continuously in contact with the human body like garments. hi this way, the combination of smart materials, wearable electronics, and sensors with fabrics opens the doors to many apphcations, especially in the clinical monitoring field. Textiles and clothes can be produced on fast and productive machinery at a reasonable cost, and the health and beauty industry is also taking advantage of these innovations. 

The new generation of silicon technology imaging transducers combined with ongoing electronic miniaturization and the availability of extremely fast and powerful portable laptop computers will lead to the development of portable or even wearable high-resolution scanners affording wireless data transfer. This technology will help to make communication with remote locations and advanced medical applications more affordable. 

Electronic textiles Smart fabrics and wearable technology... 

Electronic Textiles Smart Fabrics and Wearable Technology... 

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