Actuating Textiles: Next Generation of Smart Textiles

TLDR

Smart textiles have existed for decades, yet research has largely focused on input stimuli rather than on responsive output. This review explores the actuating, mechanical output side of smart textiles, proposing that soft exoskeletons represent a realistic goal for a second generation of such materials. The authors survey recent advances in soft actuators—particularly electroactive polymers—and assess their relevance to textile integration. Although most soft actuators generate only modest forces and strains, textile weaving and knitting can amplify these effects, enabling effective production of systems that automatically actuate in stand‑alone configurations and suggesting feasibility for soft exoskeletons.

Abstract

Abstract Smart textiles have been around for some decades. Even if interactivity is central to most definitions, the emphasis so far has been on the stimuli/input side, comparatively little has been reported on the responsive/output part. This study discusses the actuating, mechanical, output side in what could be called a second generation of smart textiles—this in contrast to a first generation of smart textiles devoted to sensorics. This mini review looks at recent progress within the area of soft actuators and what from there that is of relevance for smart textiles. It is found that typically still forces exerted are small, so are strains for many of the actuators types (such as electroactive polymers) that could be considered for textile integration. On the other side, it is argued that for many classes of soft actuators—and, in the extension, soft robotics—textiles could play an important role. The potential of weaving for stress and knitting for strain amplification is shown. Textile processing enables effective production, as is analyzed. Textile systems are made showing automatic actuation asked for in stand‐alone solutions. It is envisioned that soft exoskeletons could be an achievable goal for this second generation of smart textiles.