New Technologies in the Manufacture of Intelligent Clothing

Abstract

A survey is given of the development and application of new technologies in the manufacture of intelligent clothing. Special attention is given to the development of flexible computer boards that are incorporated into articles of clothing and to the manner of their linking with buses and sensors. The possibilities are also described of wireless communications between intelligent clothing and the systems for data collection at medium and long distances. A survey is given of the topic of powering all the electronic systems in intelligent clothing. New miniaturised electric generators are described, used to transform the energy generated by walking into electric energy, as well as semi-conductor thermogenerators, also used to generate electric energy. Development requirements regarding thermoregulative properties imposed on garment are also presented, together with other developments in the field of intelligent clothing, such that have brought about new high-tech products.