Organised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Department of Industrial Technology, the Taipei Innovative Textile Application (TITAS) showcased around 40 sustainable textile technologies and high-performance products.

Held from Oct 15-17, 2024 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, the tradeshow was attended by 400 exhibitors from across the world.

The event highlighted R&D capabilities of the textile industry and their potential applications in diverse sectors. The DoIT pavilion at the exhibition showcased innovations by the Footwear and Recreation Technology Research Institute in Taichung City, Taiwan; Industrial Technology Research Institute in Hsinchu; Taiwan Textile Federation in Taipei and Taiwan Textile Research Institute in New Taipei City. .

One of the highlights of the tradeshow was the ‘e-MooDress’ produced by TTRI and Hsinchu City-based E Ink Holdings Inc. This garment combines the company’s electronic paper tech with stretchable fibers and pulse sensors, enabling it to change colors and patterns according to the wearer’s heartbeat or environment. According to MOEA, the garment demonstrates the integration of fashion and technology.

Another impressive product on display at the exhibition was the somatosensory interactive device developed by TTRI, Tai Lung Capital Inc. in Taipei and Zentan Technology Co. in New Taipei City. Using precise motion detection and smart sensing technology, the device provides real-time feedback to assist in rehabilitation for older adults, says the ministry.

Forecasts by the US-based Goldstein Research indicate, the global smart clothing market will reach a value of $1.175 billion by 2025, says Chou Chung-pin, DoIT. The Ministry continues to expand its R&D facilities in sensing technology and Internet of Things wearables as international demand for health monitoring and functional enhancement increases in the medical and sports fields, he adds