I. Sayed, J. Berzowska and M. Skorobogatiy
We present an overview of photonic textile displays woven on a Jacquard loom, using newly discovered polymer photonic bandgap (PBG) fibers that have the ability to change color…
Abstract
We present an overview of photonic textile displays woven on a Jacquard loom, using newly discovered polymer photonic bandgap (PBG) fibers that have the ability to change color and appearance when illuminated with ambient or transmitted light. The photonic fiber can be thin (smaller than 300 microns in diameter) and highly flexible, which makes it possible to weave in the weft on a computerized Jacquard loom and develop intricate double weave structures together with a secondary weft yarn. We demonstrate how PBG fibers enable a variety of color and structural patterns on the textile, and how dynamic imagery can be created by balancing the reflected ambient light and emitted light. Finally, a possible application in security wear for low visibility conditions is described as an example.
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Sumin Helen Koo, Young Bin Lee, Changhwan Kim, Gibaek Kim, Giuk Lee and Je-Sung Koh
The purpose of this research was to develop clothing-typed soft wearable robot embedded with textile-based actuators on ankles for elderly adults needing gait assistance.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research was to develop clothing-typed soft wearable robot embedded with textile-based actuators on ankles for elderly adults needing gait assistance.
Design/methodology/approach
Design guidelines were developed and they included function (type, targeting area, routing line and anchor points), design (size/fit, fabric/material, fastener, detail, color) and actuator (shape memory alloy type, size, deformation type, integration material, integration technique and evaluation method). Fabric-based actuator, integration methods to fabrics, routing lines and anchoring points were developed based on the guidelines and evaluated. Then, three long socks types and a pants type were designed and prototyped. Routing line position displacement measurement test was conducted with the prototypes. A survey was conducted to investigate satisfaction, likeness and use intention on the design/prototype to modify the designs.
Findings
Important design factors were identified, and design guidelines for clothing-typed soft wearable robots (SWRs) were developed. People satisfied the developed SWR designs and prototypes with mean scores over 4.60.
Originality/value
The results are expected to be helpful for designers and developers of SWRs in the development process, and they will ultimately be beneficial to members of the elderly population who have gait difficulties.
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This paper aims to discuss the conceptualisation, design and realisation of a robotic membrane. Presenting research taking place between the cross‐over among architecture…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the conceptualisation, design and realisation of a robotic membrane. Presenting research taking place between the cross‐over among architecture, technical textiles and computer science, the paper seeks to explore the theoretical as well as the practical foundations for the making of a dynamic architecture.
Design/methodology/approach
The project employs an architectural design method developing working demonstrators. The paper asks how a material can be described through its behavioural as well as its formal properties. As new materials such as conductive and resistive fibres as well as smart memory alloys and polymers are developed, it becomes possible to create new hybrid materials that incorporate the possibility for state change.
Findings
The paper presents the first explorations into the making of architectural membranes that integrate systems for steering using traditional textile technologies. This paper presents a series of architectural investigations and models that seek to explore the conceptual, computational and the technological challenges of a robotic membrane.
Originality/value
The paper presents original thinking and technical innovation into the making of textile spaces.
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Yavuz Şenol, Taner Akkan, Ender Yazgan Bulgun and Ozan Kayacan
The purpose of this paper is to realize an electronic circuit design on the fabric surfaces to form a fully integrated functional active T‐shirt structure.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to realize an electronic circuit design on the fabric surfaces to form a fully integrated functional active T‐shirt structure.
Design/methodology/approach
Functional products combining textile, electronics and the software have attracted great attention in recent years. The integration of the electrical and electronic devices on the garment surface using conductive threads is a challenging issue considering conductiveness, long durability, washability and manufacturing process. As an application, a group of light emitting diode (LED) lights controlled by a light sensor, accelerometer and related electronic control circuits were placed on a fabric construction.
Findings
The brightness of LED lights is controlled by using a light sensor depending on the perceived ambient light intensity. LED lighting patterns are controlled by means of an accelerometer which senses the physical activities of the wearer, such as walking, running and standing.
Originality/value
In this study, new construction methods have been successfully implemented and the active T‐shirt has been realized with its related hardware and software.
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Marta Blazquez, Bethan Alexander and Karie Fung
This study aims to examine the relationship between key value propositions of luxury fashion smartwatches, consumer attitudes and their purchase intentions, and to explore…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between key value propositions of luxury fashion smartwatches, consumer attitudes and their purchase intentions, and to explore Millennial consumers' overall perceptions of using these wearable technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
The research adopts a mixed methods approach. Quantitative enquiry consisting of 312 respondents was followed by two qualitative focus groups in order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Findings
The findings indicate that functional, individual and social factors influence Millennial consumers' adoption intention of luxury fashion smartwatches. Empirical results reveal that perceived hedonism and usefulness are the most important factors that motivate adoption intentions, followed by subjective norm and perceived conspicuousness, indicating that luxury smartwatches are perceived as both a technological device and luxury fashion accessory.
Originality/value
Given extant research on luxury fashion smartwatches is limited, this study contributes to this unique research stream by exploring Millennial's perceptions towards using these new generation smartwatches. This research develops a theoretical framework building on technology adoption model 2 (Venkatesh and Davis, 2000), theory of reasoned action (Ajzen and Fishbein, 1975) and luxury perception models (Wiedmann et al., 2007).
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Andrew Iliadis and Isabel Pedersen
This paper aims to examine how metadata taxonomies in embodied computing databases indicate context (e.g. a marketing context or an ethical context) and describe ways to track the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine how metadata taxonomies in embodied computing databases indicate context (e.g. a marketing context or an ethical context) and describe ways to track the evolution of the embodied computing industry over time through digital media archiving.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors compare the metadata taxonomies of two embodied computing databases by providing a narrative of their top-level categories. After identifying these categories, they describe how they structure the databases around specific themes.
Findings
The growing wearables market often hides complex sociotechnical tradeoffs. Marketing products like Vandrico Inc.’s Wearables Database frame wearables as business solutions without conveying information about the various concessions users make (about giving up their data, for example). Potential solutions to this problem include enhancing embodied computing literacy through the construction of databases that track media about embodied computing technologies using customized metadata categories. Databases such as FABRIC contain multimedia related to the emerging embodied computing market – including patents, interviews, promotional videos and news articles – and can be archived through user-curated collections and tagged according to specific themes (privacy, policing, labor, etc.). One of the benefits of this approach is that users can use the rich metadata fields to search for terms and create curated collections that focus on tradeoffs related to embodied computing technologies.
Originality/value
This paper describes the importance of metadata for framing the orientation of embodied computing databases and describes one of the first attempts to comprehensively track the evolution of embodied computing technologies, their developers and their diverse applications in various social contexts through media archiving.
S. Radavičiene, M. Jucienė, V. Sacevičiene, R. Sacevičius and K. Otas
The purpose of this paper is to determine conformity of geometrical parameters between the elements embroidered with photoluminescent threads and their digital images as well as…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine conformity of geometrical parameters between the elements embroidered with photoluminescent threads and their digital images as well as to explore the change in photoluminescent radiation.
Design/methodology/approach
Using some different methodologies and apparatus, analysis shape of embroidered elements conformity and photoluminescent luminance attenuation are analysed.
Findings
The provided methodologies allow assessing the quality of embroidered elements area and photoluminescent properties.
Originality/value
The proposed approach can be adjusted to investigate photoluminescent properties of embroidered elements of different filling types.
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Christopher Igwe Idumah, Raphael Stone Odera and Emmanuel Obumneme Ezeani
Nanotechnology (NT) advancements in personal protective textiles (PPT) or personal protective equipment (PPE) have alleviated spread and transmission of this highly contagious…
Abstract
Purpose
Nanotechnology (NT) advancements in personal protective textiles (PPT) or personal protective equipment (PPE) have alleviated spread and transmission of this highly contagious viral disease, and enabled enhancement of PPE, thereby fortifying antiviral behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Review of a series of state of the art research papers on the subject matter.
Findings
This paper expounds on novel nanotechnological advancements in polymeric textile composites, emerging applications and fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
Research limitations/implications
As a panacea to “public droplet prevention,” textiles have proven to be potentially effective as environmental droplet barriers (EDBs).
Practical implications
PPT in form of healthcare materials including surgical face masks (SFMs), gloves, goggles, respirators, gowns, uniforms, scrub-suits and other apparels play critical role in hindering the spreading of COVID-19 and other “oral-respiratory droplet contamination” both within and outside hospitals.
Social implications
When used as double-layers, textiles display effectiveness as SFMs or surgical-fabrics, which reduces droplet transmission to <10 cm, within circumference of ∼0.3%.
Originality/value
NT advancements in textiles through nanoparticles, and sensor integration within textile materials have enhanced versatile sensory capabilities, robotics, flame retardancy, self-cleaning, electrical conductivity, flexibility and comfort, thereby availing it for health, medical, sporting, advanced engineering, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, military, automobile, food and agricultural applications, and more. Therefore, this paper expounds on recently emerging trends in nanotechnological influence in textiles for engineering and fight against COVID-19 pandemic.