1. Brussels, May 15, 2007 Ilkka Saarnio
Potential topic for Thematic Networks: Wearable Computing and Smart Clothing – > Active Clothing
Brussels, May 15, 2007
Ilkka Saarnio

2. State of the art 1
integration of electronic and communication appliances (ubiquitous computing)
development of smart clothing and intelligent textiles (functional clothing, adaptive materials, conductive fibres, …)
combination of new fibre and textile materials and miniaturized electronic components -> smart clothing
applications in sports and outdoor activities (e.g. heart rate sensing shirts, smart skiing shoes, snowmobile suits)

3. State of the art 2
market expectations: 100 % annual market growth in smart fabrics and interactive textiles (Venture Development Corporation, USA), mostly in health care
Active Clothing concept maintains and increases possibilities of the user to continue active living, supports safe living at home and supports home and health care services

4. Objectives
exploitation of solutions of wearable technology and functional textiles and uptake of advanced applications of smart clothing in enabling active living and increased functionality and safety of aging persons
bringing together textile and electronics industry, SMEs, developers of smart clothing, users and service providers: creating a platform for the industry and SMEs to explore new market potentials within aging users
preparing pilot projects for implementation of new solutions

5. Issues 1
user environments and requirements: usability, functional characteristics, safety, physiological limitations, home or health care services, communication needs, …
potential areas of application: health and safety monitoring, navigation, communication, environmental control, memory support, …

6. Issues 2
technologies applied: 1) ICT: wearable computing, wearable user interfaces, signal processing, sensors, intelligent environments, GPS, wireless communication, conductive fibres, etc., 2) textile: clothing design, ergonomics, smart textiles, adaptive materials, functional clothing, etc.
enabling environment for technology transfer: market surveys, etc.