Electronic Textile. A logical step

The integration of electronics and clothing promises a variety of new technologies, but constructing electronic circuits on fabrics is complex. Coating fibres to create electrodes and forming transistors at their crossing points offers an elegant solution. The concept of multifunctional — electronic or 'smart' — fabrics was suggested several years ago1, but only recently has their true potential to make life safer, healthier and more comfortable been recognised. Multifunctional fabrics are conceived as innovative and high-knowledge-content apparel, integrating sensing, actuation, processing and power functions into a single garment.