This symposium will represent a unique opportunity to gather together experts from different research and industrial field working on electronic textiles. This research field has a strongly multidisciplinary character as it requires an extremely wide range of expertise and skills, spanning from materials, physics,chemistry, engineering, medicine and social issues. The focus is on fiber-based and knitted materials with novel smart functionalities that allow envisaging innovative and breakthrough applications in wearable or diagnostic - oriented technologies, but also as “imperceptible” user interfaces that weave themselves into the very fabric of everyday life The attention is not limited to the characterization, design, and development of novel materials, smart textiles and sensing devices, but it also targets issues related to the production and commercial exploitation of innovative materials and garments. Textile and fiber based materials and system innovations in wearable, assistive and soft robotics will be covered. Technology transfer issues are particularly relevant for new classes of high-tech materials and products and this symposium is very keen on devoting a special session on this topic, addressing the challenges and the opportunities faced by start-ups and small high tech companies interested in investing in this exciting and fast growing research field.

devices electronic material energetic material fiber ionic conductor metallic conductor microelectronics optoelectronic sensor