Miniaturisation of electronic components and the use of conductive materials and other structures have enabled the development of smart textiles.

Growing demand for connectivity and enhancement in wireless technologies is expected to further market growth over the next few years, according to a report published by Grand View Research, a market research and consulting company.

This report takes a closer look at the smart textiles industry, providing a holistic perspective on market dynamics, trends, supply and demand. The study aims at providing granular information, regarding estimates and forecasts for key lens types including polarised and non-polarised, as well as major end-use industries including fashion and entertainment, sports and fitness, medical, transportation, protection and military and architecture.

Market forecast

The report also provides the same level of information for key regional markets. It analyses various factors, which have been driving and inhibiting the global smart textiles market in the past.

In addition, the study analyses the impact of each driver and restraint on the market growth, which forms the base for market forecast. The report also showcases the opportunities available in the market, which may act as future drivers for the market.

Outlook

Smart textiles are used in a variety of end-use industries, and robust growth is expected in sports and fitness, protection and safety through personal protective equipment, and home health monitoring.

Awareness regarding the importance of fitness has driven the adoption of these textiles in sports, the report suggests. However, the incompatibility of manufacturing practices in the textiles and electronics industry, as well as the need for more suitable form factors is expected to restrain the industry from attaining its full potential over the forecast period.

Advanced technology

North America accounted for majority of the overall market share in 2012 and is expected to continue being the dominant regional segment in the coming years. Increasing incorporation of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology in devices such as laptops and mobile phones is expected to enable sensor-based devices such as smart fabrics to connect to the Internet.

Emerging technologies and continual research and development activities are expected to help improve the integration of technology into fabrics. Parameters such as power supply and costs need to be taken into consideration, and the resultant products need to be made user friendly in order to achieve complete commercialization.

Smart textiles

Smart textiles or smart fabrics can be defined as textiles that are capable of interacting with their environment. They have the ability to react to physical stimuli from thermal, mechanical, electrical and chemical sources among others.

Sensors and actuators are the fundamental components of smart textiles. In order for consumers to adopt these products, the aforementioned components need to be integrated seamlessly into the fabric.

Materials integrated into smart textiles include optical fibres, metals and conductive polymers. Fabric is also coated with nanoparticles in order to impart features such as water-repellence, UV protection, and anti-bacterial properties for a prolonged period of time. Energy harvested from kinetic movement or embedding solar cells in wearable technology such as textiles is expected to result in favorable market outlook.

Further information