Date of Graduation

5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Electrical Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Saunders, Robert

Abstract

The growing field of smart textiles could change everyday life, adding an element of interactivity to commonly used items such as clothing and furniture. Smart textiles measure then respond to external stimuli. For scalability in the future, smart textiles must be produced using conventional textile manufacturing craftsmanship. The resulting textile must be durable and comfortable while retaining electrical capabilities. Smart textiles can be fabricating through embroidery, weaving, and knitting using conductive threads. Electronics can also be printed onto textiles. Researchers are also creating higher-order electronics, such as the transistor, on the fiber-level to make the technology in smart textiles as discreet as possible. A variety of sensors can be produced with smart textile technology, and these sensors can be utilized in medical and protective applications. Smart textiles can then communicate a response through output devices such as lighting displays. As smart textiles develop, the ethics of manufacturing must be considered. Lightweight sources of power generation besides batteries are needed to make textiles systems more robust. As the smart textile market continues to grow, there are several obstacles in the way of smart textiles entering everyday life. Two traditionally different sectors—textiles and electronics—must converge. Consumers must also be motivated to trade up to smart textile products through increased electronic functions. As smart textiles continue to mature, more applications will be accepted by society and begin impacting day to day life.

Keywords

smart textiles; electrical engineering

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