Interactive Electronic Textiles: Technologies, Applications, Opportunities, and Market Potential

Abstract

The developing area of interactive electronic textiles is generating an abundance of literature within the textile industry. Presently, researchers in this area are working toward the development of interactive touch and voice activated wireless electronic textiles. Potentially, these specialized textiles will integrate many communication, entertainment, and safety devices directly into traditional textile and apparel products.

The purpose of this research was to study the emerging area of interactive electronic textiles. First, available literature was used to examine interactive electronic technologies, the potential application areas for these technologies, and the potential market appeal for interactive electronic textiles. Hypotheses were developed regarding expert perceptions of the potential technologies appropriate for mass-producing these products at affordable price points. To test the hypotheses, expert opinions regarding future opportunities, applications, and market appeal for interactive electronic textiles were obtained via an Internet-based electronic survey. The results of the survey revealed that numerous viable technologies were being investigated for developing interactive electronic textiles; health and safety, communication, and entertainment were perceived as major growth areas for these specialized textiles; and that product attributes, operation difficulty levels, and user concerns were considered to have important implications for interactive electronic textiles market appeal.