This collaboration, which is part-funded by Innovate UK, is intended to expand Trelleborg’s capabilities in smart fabrics for healthcare applications and the partnership will look to accelerate the development of a smart mattress system designed to enhance patient care and reduce medical interventions.
Nottingham Trent University’s Medical Technologies Innovation Facility widens access to world-class facilities, equipment and expertise which helps to accelerate the research, development and delivery of innovative medical technologies and services for organisations across the breadth of medical and health sectors.
NTU’s Dr. Yang Wei, a specialist in smart medical textiles, said, “The development of smart fabrics will significantly impact the healthcare industry, and our shared vision aims to provide innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges. This KTP demonstrates the power of combining academic research with industry expertise to create tangible advancements."
"This KTP is an important milestone in transforming the future of healthcare textiles,” said Antony Croston, Commercial Director Healthcare & Medical for Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics. “By combining NTU's research expertise with our local capabilities in engineered coated fabrics, we aim to pioneer innovations that improve patient well-being while driving global change in medical textiles."
Smart fabrics are playing a critical role in improving patient outcomes. From preventing pressure injuries with advanced sensing technology to enabling data visualization for better decision-making, these textiles offer opportunities to transform treatment quality and healthcare efficiency worldwide.
Trelleborg’s experience in engineered healthcare fabrics through its global coated fabric brand Dartex, will be complemented by NTU’s expertise in electronics and software engineering. Together, they will focus on creating innovative sensing systems, seamless technology integration and scalable solutions suitable for global healthcare markets.
The KTP, a national initiative funded by Innovate UK bridges the gap between academia and industry, enabling companies like Trelleborg to tap into academic expertise to solve strategic challenges. This 26 month project will explore the development of sensing technology, interface systems and data visualization, creating products that redefine comfort and care in medical contexts.
