Invited Speaker: Prof. Chokri Cherif

Title of Presentation: Interactive Fiber-based Systems for Human-Machine Interfaces and Tactile Internet

The emerging fields of switchable soft robotics and smart textiles have the potential to revolutionize the tactile internet by enabling the development of novel 4D materials and adaptive systems that are capable of self-adaptation, sensing, and actuation. Interactive fiber rubber composites (I-FRC), are fiber-reinforced elastomer materials that are equipped with structurally integrated actuator and sensor networks. This innovative approach allows for the direct integration of actuators and sensors during the manufacturing process, resulting in a more robust and adaptable material. The development of I-FRC will enable the reversible and contactless adjustment of mechanical components and stiffness, leading to a range of potential applications across various fields including robotics with controllable Softness and stiffness for human-machine interaction and prosthetics.

Smart textiles, on the other hand, offer a promising solution to facilitate the interaction between humans and machines in the tactile internet. These textiles can transduce motion and sense from and to the body, enabling the development of wearable devices that can adapt to the user’s needs and environment. With their ability to detect and respond to environmental changes, smart textiles have the potential to improve the safety, comfort, and efficiency of various applications such as healthcare, sports, and entertainment. These scenarios include smart gloves or e-skins for remote teaching and rehabilitation.

The integration of I-FRC and smart textiles with embedded sensor and actuator networks holds immense potential for the development of novel systems that are more robust, adaptable, and responsive to changing environments. The synergy between these two fields can facilitate the development of innovative materials and devices that can enhance the user experience and improve the functionality of various applications. Therefore, the exploration and development of these fields are discussed and how they further advance the tactile internet and its applications.

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the DFG (German Research Foundation), for a Research Training Group (Project Number 380321452-GRK2430) and as part of Germany’s Excellence Strategy – EXC 2050/1 – Project ID 390696704 – Cluster of Excellence “Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop” (CeTI) of Dresden University of Technology.

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Further presentations

Smart Sock: A Wearable E-Textile with Coiled Nylon Actuators for Dynamic Compression Therapy in Vascular Applications Sukhneet Dhillon, Ying Li, Rafaela Zamataro, Xiulun Yin, Jian Gao, John Madden – University of British Columbia

Compression therapy is recommended to venous thromboembolism patients to prevent the progression into post-thrombotic syndrome. However, adherence remains low due to issues with comfort and ease of use. This paper presents the development and evaluation of a novel smart sock system designed for compression therapy in lower-limb rehabilitation. By integrating capacitive sensors, coiled nylon artificial muscle actuators, and conductive yarns directly into a wearable sock, the system enables real-time monitoring of applied pressure and pressure distribution without the need for rigid components. The smart sock’s flexible design ensures enhanced comfort and wearability. Initial testing demonstrates the system’s potential for accurate pressure output and safe temperature levels, highlighting its promise for use in both clinical and homebased rehabilitation settings.

Enhancing Polypyrrole-Based E-Textiles via Bayesian Optimization Matteo Iannacchero, Joakim Löfgren, Mithila Mohan, Patrick Rinke, Jaana Vapaavuori – Aalto University

The rapid development of e-textiles is hindered by the lack of sustainable alternatives to metallic conductors, leading to bulky, uncomfortable, and fragile prototypes. Testing and optimizing new materials are time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially when parameter’s impact is uncertain. To tackle these issues, we introduce a machine learning-assisted method for designing conductive e-textile prototypes using Tencel yarns coated with polypyrrole (PPy) via in-situ oxidative polymerization. Key variables such as pyrrole monomer and p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) dopant were optimized at well-studied temperature and catalyst concentration. Across 11 experiments, we achieved an optimal conductivity of and estimated noise for understanding electrical resistance behaviour. Bayesian optimization (BO) and Pareto front analysis refined these conditions for improved conductivity and cost-efficiency, with PTSA showing minimal impact. We wove these optimized yarns into flexible, conductive prototypes, demonstrating their potential for wearables and heaters. Our BO design leverages adaptive sampling and Pareto front analysis to balance performance and cost, applicable to various e-textile manufacturing processes.

Development of a Fiber-Based Capacitive Collision Sensor for Robotic Applications Hung Le Xuan, Nadja Schenk, Chokri Cherif – Dresden University of Technology

This work presents a fiber-based capacitive sensor for detecting collisions in robotic applications. The sensor features a coaxial, braided structure made entirely from flexible textile-compatible materials. It combines mechanical compliance with reliable signal response and can be integrated into robotic surfaces. Prototype specimens were manufactured using round braiding technology and tested using a developed collision simulation setup. The results confirm the sensor’s ability to detect physical contact with good repeatability. This approach offers the potential for future applications in robotic skins and human-robot interaction.

Single Yarn Based Organic Electrochemical Transistors via Dispenser Printing for Future E-Textile Sensors and Systems Changxin Shen, Abiodun Komolafe, Sheng Yong, Stephen Beeby, Russel Torah – University of Southampton

Wearable electronics increasingly rely on flexible printed devices; however, fabricating ultrathin and flexible layers typically involves sophisticated processes like spin coating and thermal evaporation, which are difficult to integrate into conventional textile production workflows. Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) offer a more fabrication-friendly alternative to traditional field-effect transistors, as they can be constructed without the need for high-resolution lithography or complex deposition techniques. OECTs operate based on mixed ionic-electronic conduction and have shown promise in a range of applications, including soft logic circuits and biochemical sensors, where flexibility and material compatibility are critical. This paper presents a method for printing OECTs onto a single nylon yarn using a dispenser printer, enabling the integration of functional electronic components into woven electronic fabrics and supporting the future development of fabric-based sensors. The single-yarn OECTs fabricated via dispenser printing exhibit an on/off current ratio of up to 2000, highlighting their strong potential for applications in electronic textiles.

Advanced Electromyography Electrode Design Through Technical Yarn Embroidery Paolo Perego, Giulia Cappoli, Roberto Sironi, Emanuele Gruppioni, Angelo Davalli, Giuseppe Andreoni, Nicola Francesco Lopomo – Politecnico di Milano

Wearable sensors for monitoring muscle activity are increasingly important in various fields, including rehabilitation, sports science, and human-computer interaction. This study investigates the efficacy of embroidery-based textile electrodes for detecting surface electromyography (sEMG) signals related to muscle activation. Different electrode shapes and areas, created using various embroidery techniques, were evaluated for their signal quality by measuring root mean square and signal-tonoise ratio values. Results demonstrated that these textile electrodes could effectively detect sEMG signals, and their performance, measured by SNR, was comparable to, and in some cases exceeded, that of conventional Ag/AgCl electrodes, even after repeated washing. This research supports the potential of embroidery techniques for fabricating high performance washable textile electrodes suitable for wearable sEMG monitoring systems.

Influence of Weave Structure on Pressure Sensing Performance Kaspar Jansen, Christiaan Hoogstraten, Holly McQuillan – TU Delft

Textile-based sensors can be knitted, woven or embroidered. They have the advantage that they can be manufactured with existing textile machinery and preserve the textile appearance of the fabric, i.e. they are soft, breathable and conform to the body shapes. In this paper we study woven pressure sensors and investigate the effect of the weaving structure on the sensor performance.

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