Smart textiles can protect firefighters from overheating. Or assist in the product development of sports articles. Our current research helps to maintain well-being and physical and cognitive performance through the use of textile sensors.

In the US alone, 50 firefighters die each year from the effects of overwork that occur in and through an operation. Rising temperatures in a firefighter’s suit lead to a “tipping point” where firefighters can collapse.

Here, smart textiles offer the possibility for low-threshold measurement systems to record temperature, humidity and vital parameters. The combination of traditional textiles, smart materials and electronic components brings intelligence to clothing: This provides firefighters with low-threshold support during their work assignments that is independent of other systems. Intelligent algorithms can automatically initiate warnings and interventions based on sensor data to return vital signs to a state of well-being.

Smart textiles can also support the development of sporting goods. Based on the sensor data, models are created that make complex biomechanical information during the use of sports articles detectable outside the laboratory and contribute to the development of innovative products. This can contribute to a healthier lifestyle in the future and sometimes even save lives.

Texsense is being funded as a cross-state cooperation between Salzburg and Vorarlberg as part of the WISS2025 strategy of the state of Salzburg. Project partners are the Department of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Salzburg, as well as the technology leader for protective clothing “Texport Salzburg”, adidas, Digital Elektronik and the Grabher Group.