ETextiles & Smart Materials Innovation Lab

About the Lab

Located in Walton Institute at South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford, the eTextiles & Smart Materials Innovation Lab where technology meets textiles to create innovative solutions,

eTextiles, or electronic textiles, seamlessly integrate electronic components into fabrics to provide functionality like sensing, connectivity, and interactivity. These smart textiles have applications ranging from wearable technology to Intelligent fabric spaces, making them a cornerstone of next-generation innovation

The eTextiles lab consists of the following

• Technical Embroidery Machine: a specialized, high-precision tool designed for advanced applications of technical embroidery, often used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical textiles, wearable technology, and smart textiles. These machines combine traditional embroidery techniques with cutting-edge innovations, enabling the integration of functional materials into textiles. )
• EPC-Win: Digitising software offering special features for smart textiles and technical embroidery.
• Dimatix Printer: a high-precision inkjet printing system designed for advanced digital printing applications across industries such as electronics, bioengineering, materials science, and textiles that uses piezoelectric drop-on-demand (DoD) inkjet technology.
• Compliment of sewing, embroidery, knitting machines (Singer, Bernina).

Industry Applications 

• Healthcare: Develop wearable devices that monitor vital signs, promote rehabilitation, or assist patients with chronic conditions.
• Fashion: Create garments with embedded LEDs, touch sensors, or temperature-regulating fabrics for interactive and functional designs.
• Sports & Fitness: Design apparel that tracks performance metrics, offering real-time feedback to athletes.

The eTextiles & Smart Materials Innovation Lab brings together multidisciplinary expertise in textile science, electronics and analytics, to push the boundaries of what’s possible with smart textiles. Engage with our researchers to bring smart textile technology to life and lead your industry into a smarter, more connected world.