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UK firms lead the way in smart textiles and wearable electronics for use with iPods and mobile phone
There are several UK-based companies which have successfully integrated their smart technical textile technology into clothing and other consumer softgoods -- including bags and backpacks.
The most prominent companies in this field are Auxetix, d3o lab, Eleksen, Engineered Fibre Structures, EXO2, Fibretronic and Peratech. Many of these are small and were formed through close alliances with academic institutions. Products made by three of these companies are being designed to interface with software from Microsoft and iPod music players from Apple.
The companies’ products are being sold under well known names with wide consumer appeal. Brands such as Berghaus, Burton, Ermenegildo Zegna, Kjus, Levi's, Nike, O'Neill, Quiksilver, Reusch, Ribcap, Rohan, Schoeffel, Spyder, The North Face and Tommy Hilfiger are all using smart fabrics and interactive textiles from UK firms.
Smart textiles cover a wide range of technologies. Individual categories include wearable electronics, heat conductive textiles, textile switches and shock absorbing fabrics.
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