Opportunities and Challenges of Smart Textile Systems for Occupational Safety of Electricians

Abstract

Safety regulations for the occupational safety of electricians are already very strict, but electrical incidents still happen. A smart textile system was invented that is designed to detect electrical incidents and falls. If an emergency is detected, help can be called, or the power source can be turned off to avoid severe harm. But the development of a smart textile system with reasonable reliability, durability and washability is quite complex and challenging. Not only the integration and the connection of electrical components in a smart system is challenging. Developing cost-effective, reproducible, automated processes for mass production and providing sufficient standardization and certification for smart textile systems are major tasks, that have to be faced and solved.