A recent article about smart textiles and wearable intelligence posted by Centexbel on their website (www.centexbel.be) asks, “Why is the industry still facing challenges?” The article notes that Flemish company participation is growing, but there are still “open questions,” including a general knowledge of the subject, distribution channels, maintenance and other practical matters.
Centexbel has initiated the SMARTpro project, which will focus on the “industrial processeability and applications of smart textiles and wearable intelligence in safety and intervention, home care, sports and leisure, and technical applications.”
Their focus will be on less complex systems, engaging both the end-users and related entities, such as care providers, sports organizations, security services, and the like.
Centexbel has invited interested parties to contact them about participating in the project, funded by IWT Vlaanderen. Already underway, as of October 2013, it’s scheduled to continue through the end of September 2017.