The global smart textile market is expected to be valued at USD 1.59 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 24.1% from 2013 to 2020. The market is expected to be fuelled by growing penetration of smartphones and other smart or high-tech devices including iPods. Majority of new laptops and smartphones are equipped with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology which enables the connection of sensor-based devices to the Internet through mobile phones.
Miniaturization of electronics is expected to significantly fuel industry growth over the forecast period. In order to make sensors compatible with fabric and ensure optimum comfort and wearability, industry participants have focused on reducing form factors to facilitate efficient integration of components into the fabric.
Laundering is a key challenge in the use of smart garments since they are integrated with electronic components. Washability deals with physical resistance against high temperature and mechanical stresses, as well as chemical resistance against moisture and detergents. This also results in issues with battery performance.
Key players in this industry include E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (U.S.), Google Inc. (U.S.), Intelligent Clothing Ltd. (U.K.), International Fashion Machines, Inc. (U.S.), Interactive Wear AG (Germany), Schoeller Textiles AG (Switzerland), Textronics, Inc. (U.S.), Vista Medical Ltd. (Canada), Textronics, Inc. (U.S.), Gentherm Incorporated (U.S.), and Sensoria Inc. (U.S.).
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