Passive Adaptive Soft

Self-regulating, high-performance apparel through bio-based and hygro-responsive 4D-printed textile hybrids

Smart material systems can sense and respond to environmental stimuli (such as temperature and humidity) by changing their shape or other physical properties without relying on electromechanical sensors, actuators, or external power supply. These material systems offer a range of novel applications, from weather-responsive architectural facade systems to adaptive wearables and apparel. In recent years, the sportswear and fashion industry has shown increasing interest in smart material technologies. This is reflected in the growing number of startup companies in the field of smart textiles, working on products ranging from active, circuit-embedded textiles to passive, water- or temperature-responsive yarns. Our vision is to merge passively-actuated smart materials and textiles in order to develop smart apparel that can sense and adapt to the human body, increasing comfort level and/or athletic performance.

ICD Institute for Computational Design and Construction, University of Stuttgart

Tiffany Cheng, Prof. Achim Menges
Student Assistants: Nadine Aderhold, Stefan Lang

IKT Institut für Kunststofftechnik, University of Stuttgart

Lars Schmohl, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Bonten

University of Stuttgart - Knowledge and Technology Transfer