Smart textiles give sustainable health at work

Important results from the project

The project has aimed to develop a prototype that demonstrates opportunities to take advantage of modern technology integrated in the clothes for continuous recording of work loads. This gives new opportunities to identify work environment problems and to minimize them. An important project goal has been to illustrate such opportunities. An important part was finding the stakeholders group to further develop these opportunities so that they can get the dissemination they deserve. Both of these goals have been achieved.

Expected long term effects

The prototype developed shows, in a convincing way, the opportunities that lie in new technology. Future users of these new methods can effectively be involved in specifying the methods, equipment, analytical tools and systems that allow a significant step forward in the fight against the increasing ill health as a result of bodily and mental overload in working life. This provides a great economic impact on the national economy, in the form of reduced sick leave. It also provides significant impact on quality of life of the individuals affected.

Approach and implementation

The project has essentially consisted of two tasks, one that focused on the development of demonstration prototype and one that is mainly aimed at the refinement of ideas and collection of stakeholders. Prototype development has involved skills and staff from three of the four partners in the project, while all four partners were involved in the other activities. During the project regular distance meetings have been held. A full-day workshop with prospective partners in a UDI step 2 projects has also been carried out.