In the last years, a range of disparate technologies has converged; biochemistry engineering and polymer chemistry has reached towards microelectronics producing systems such as ‘lab-on-a-chip’ diagnostics and also textile sensors, interfaces and actuators. New types of conductive yarns that can be woven, knitted and even embroidered into textiles are also available, thus making textile interfaces to the human body.

These new technological components have triggered the development of platforms, integrating electronic functionality into textiles and clothing. Information and Communication Technology ICT has reach a level where transmission of information in most cases is no longer a problem.