Textile sensors

Abstract

Textiles constitute an ideal choice as platforms for wearable devices, since they are flexible, lightweight, and can be worn everywhere in many forms. This class of textiles with electronic capabilities has been referred to as electronic textiles (e-textiles). Depending on the type and application, e-textiles may be capable of sensing, data processing, actuation, and energy storage or generation. Among all these, textile-based sensing has become an active area of research in the emerging field of e-textiles. Textile based sensors provide an interface between the user and an electronic system by converting physiological or environmental signals into electrical signals. Wearable garments may be capable of monitoring variables such as strain, pressure, temperature, displacement, humidity, etc., and can be used in many applications including medical rehabilitation, health monitoring, communication, entertainment, sports, security, and surveillance. This review provides an overview about textile based sensors that are capable of sensing fundamental signals related to physiological and mechanical activities, including vital signs of a human body.