Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (fourth left) visits the MOEA’s pavilion at the Taipei Innovative Textiles Application Show running until Oct. 17 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center in the capital. (Courtesy of MOEA)
 

The Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Department of Industrial Technology is showcasing 40 sustainable textile technologies and high-performance products in the Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show underway at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center in the capital, spotlighting the industry’s R&D capabilities and potential applications in diverse sectors.

Innovations on display at the DoIT pavilion were developed by Footwear and Recreation Technology Research Institute in central Taiwan’s Taichung City, Industrial Technology Research Institute in the northern county of Hsinchu, Taiwan Textile Federation in Taipei City and Taiwan Textile Research Institute in New Taipei City, the MOEA said, adding that the focus is on smart apparel and health care.

One highlight is the “e-MooDress” produced by TTRI and Hsinchu City-based E Ink Holdings Inc. The garment combines the company’s electronic paper tech with stretchable fibers and pulse sensors, allowing the garment to change colors and patterns according to the wearer’s heartbeat or environment, the MOEA said, adding that it demonstrates the integration of fashion and technology.

Equally impressive is a somatosensory interactive game developed by TTRI, Tai Lung Capital Inc. in Taipei and Zentan Technology Co. in New Taipei City. It uses precise motion detection and smart sensing technology to provide real-time feedback to assist in rehabilitation for older adults, the ministry said, adding that devices were donated to Tri-Service General Hospital in Taipei and National Taiwan University Hospital’s Hsinchu Branch Oct. 15.

According to DoIT Deputy Director-General Chou Chung-pin, the value of the global smart clothing market is set to reach US$1.175 billion by 2025 as per forecasts by U.S.-based Goldstein Research. As international demand for health monitoring and functional enhancement increases in the medical and sports fields, the ministry is ramping up R&D in sensing technology and Internet of Things wearables to boost the country’s global competitiveness, he added.

The 28th TITAS runs from Oct. 15-17, with 400 exhibitors from across the world showing their innovations in over 1,000 booths. (YCH-E)