2021 Volume 21 Issue 9 Pages 361-368
The general history and definition of smart textile are first explained and then music player jacket and solar power suit are introduced as historical fundamental smart wears. Next, all basic components for preparing smart textile such as conductive fiber, conductive paste, various kinds of sensors and autonomous batteries are introduced. Above all, the conductive fiber, which is a very important member, will be described in detail including the manufacturing method. Elemental technologies for connecting the components such as solder, printed electronics, embroidery and so on are explained. Finally, the domestic and overseas development trends of vital sensing wear as the most important target of smart textiles are shown. The heart monitoring wear made by Japanese textile manufacturers are explained, comparing the world’s most advanced non-contact heart sensing wear developed in Taiwan. In addition, it is shown that the most successful vital sensing wears are developed in France and these are worn by patients in more than 75 hospitals around 11 countries. The other related items like heating and cooling wears also are introduced.
