NanoKTN event focuses on ‘nano enhanced’ textiles

Once applied to textiles they can enable interactivity, functionality and protection. The NanoKTN says it aims to highlight key developments and encourage commercialisation and uptake by end users. The workshop, for both nanotechnologists and product designers, aims to ease information exchange and collaboration by raising awareness of consumer and market needs. This, believes the knowledge based network, can be achieved by flagging up new technological developments. The event is the second Nano4Design event following the Nano4Sport event launched in 2011. Professor Janis Jeffries, professor of Visual Arts at Goldsmiths, University of London will discuss 'Wearable Absence,' a system of wearable devices in the expanding field of intelligent textiles. Combining engineered adaptors and soft cabling systems with modern clothing designs, the garments incorporate wireless technologies and biosensing devices to activate a database of image and sound, creating a narrative, or string of messages. According to Prof Jeffries, if a person was experiencing an emotional state such as stress, grief or despair, the biosensors would prompt the person's clothing to receive a range of messages such as photos, texts and sound recordings to provide comfort. Prof Jeffries believes the unique combination of textile arts, emotional mapping and responsive technologies has enormous potential in the fields of healthcare and well being. Other speakers include representatives from the Design Council, d3o, QMUL, Nanoforce Technology, Textile Centre of Excellence, and Northumbria University's School of Design. "Nanotechnology has, and will increasingly deliver, significant commercial benefits in the textiles industry," said Dr Martin Kemp, pictured. "The interactive Nano4Design workshops are a unique forum to generate ideas and form collaborations. By hosting events like this, we aim to ensure advances in this field are turned into commercial success for UK designers and business." Taking Textiles to the Next Level - Nano4Design Workshop on 'Nano-enhanced Textiles' takes place on 28 February 2012 at Nanoforce Technology Ltd, QMUL London. Further information about the event and the NanoKTN can be found at http://www.nanoktn.com.