Abstract:

Over the last 10 years we have been researching “SMART Garments” focusing on the rehabilitation of patients and on the elderly, in the first instance, in collaboration with hospitals and insurance companies. Recently it was realised that a more radical approach was needed for providing a more effective solution to attaching rigid electronics on fabrics. We have embarked in developing a concept PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD out of fabric so that we may have ultimate flexibility. When realised, this will revolutionise the electronics industry and will enable textiles to venture into yet another new industrial application; would we be able to make computers, mobile phones, IPODs out of fabric? The research and development for a TexPCB™ is continuing, but the concept and some progress will be described and discussed.

Finally in the spirit of the fashion theme of this conference, recent energy harvesting couture garments incorporating flexible photovolteics will be shown.