Research in home automation focuses on improving the quality of life of users via the integration of various technologies. E-BRODER will develop smart textiles with high added-value factors using embroidery technology for home automation applications to sensorise environmental parameters, detect user gestures and provide power wirelessly, through textile articles.

There are now several wearable electronic systems available that enable functions to be developed, but the integration of these types of sensors in textiles, with applications for both the user’s own clothing and to other elements in their surroundings, is at a much lower level of development. The miniaturisation of electronic components and wireless communication allows the design of small, easy-to-hide sensors in textile articles, but as regards their integration into the fabrics themselves, only proof-of-concept work has been carried out. It is not about filling our homes with new devices, but rather that those we already use are smarter and easier to use; to use this intelligence and communication capability to perform daily tasks easier and adapt them more closely to our needs. Home automation must be friendly, easy to use, install and maintain, ubiquitous but discreet and respect our privacy 

The main objective of the E-BRODER project is to carry out research aimed at developing smart textiles with a high added-value factor using embroidery technology for home automation applications intended for use in the following textile sub-sectors: home textiles, upholstery, decoration and contract furnishing.

The e-BRODER project addresses the research and development of smart textiles using embroidery technology for home automation applications, including:

– Decoration fabrics such as curtains with the ability to sensorise environmental parameters in homes and offices.
– Upholstery fabrics that act as a sensor capable of detecting different hand gestures to interact with the home-automation system.
– Upholstery and decorative fabrics that incorporate embroidered induction elements to power the domotic textile articles or to charge a mobile phone.

The resulting prototypes of the project will be provided with a high added-value factor, using a highly-automated process that allows companies working in the sectors of home textiles, decoration, and upholstery and contract furnishings to increase their product portfolio, and therefore become more competitive.

This project has the support of the Conselleria d’Economia Sostenible, Sectors Productius, Comerç i Treball of the Generalitat Valenciana through IVACE, and is co-financed by ERDF funds from the EU, within the ERDF Operational Program of the Comunitat Valenciana 2014 -2020. FILE: IMDEEA / 2018/108