The future for smart textiles

According to the latest issue of Performance Apparel Markets by Textiles Intelligence, Wilmslow, U.K., smart textiles and wearable technology are poised for rapid growth, if key issues with power sources and laundering can be resolved. Internet-savvy younger users want connectivity, speed and multiple-function communication options. The aging population will benefit from wearable technology that monitors heart rate, temperature, respiration or activity levels. According to the report, 70 percent of mobile phone and most new laptops have Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, which will enable many new sensor-based devices (including those integrated into garments) to connect to the Internet. It is estimated that as many as 300 million sensor-based devices will be on the market by 2016.