The Spanish Institute of Textile Technology (AITEX) and the Technological Institute of Optics, Color and Imaging (AIDO) has launched a new project to develop textiles that employ fibre optic technology and functional impression known as smart and interactive textiles.

According to a statement issued by AIDO, the institutes would try to develop fibre optic sensors that would detect alterations characterized by the radiation produced in the fibre itself to the application of external stimuli such as changes in temperature, pressure, strain, electric or magnetic fields.

By using these sensors in different tissues, a series of smart and interactive textiles could be developed that offer endless possibilities, AIDO states.

According to AIDO, these interactive textiles could have various applications such as to measure ground movements in large tracts of land, or architectural elements, for example by creating geotextile fabrics built with these sensors the user would be able to collect data.

Clothing made from smart and interactive textiles could provide information regarding the user’s body temperature, heart rate, number of steps and more, AIDO states.

The project is being carried out with support from the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE) and through a grant funded by the European Union via its European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).