Advanced e-textiles for firefighters and civilian victims

Consortium partners

CNR - INFM

The National Research Council (CNR) is a public organization; its duty is to carry out, promote, spread, transfer and improve research activities in the main sectors of knowledge growth and of its applications for the scientific, technological, economic and social development of Italy and the EU. The National Institute for the Physics of Matter (INFM) carries out fundamental and applied research on the physical properties of atomic, molecular and condensed matter systems. INFM operates through a wide Network of Research Units, Laboratories and R&D Centres, and involves over 3500 scientists.

Technical University of Lodz

Technical University of Lodz is one of the largest universities in Poland. It was founded on 24th May 1945. The academic staff of the University amounts to about 1500 members, including 200 professors and associate professors, and the average total number of students amounts to 20000. One of the faculties of Technical University of Lodz is the Faculty of Textile Engineering and Marketing, where the project will be realized in cooperation with Microtechnology Education Centre (MEC) at the Institute of Electronics TUL.

University of Gent, Belgium

Ghent University, one of the most important institutions of higher education and research in the Low Count, yearly attracts over 26,000 students, with a foreign student population of over 1,900 EU and non-EU citizens. The Department of Textiles is part of the faculty of engineering of Ghent University. The department is responsible for education, research and technological support in the area of textiles. The group consists of approx. 25 researchers supported by about 15 people in technical and administrative tasks. Apart from traditional areas like fibres, spinning and weaving, carpets, the department is also involved in basic and applied research on smart textiles (mainly conductivity based materials for medical purposes), biomimetics, plasma treatment, electrochemistry in textiles.

Smartex S.R.L.

Smartex was founded in 1999 to exploit new findings in the field of “smart materials” with the aim to develop innovative solutions and products answering the need of innovation and hi-tech transfer processes towards the textile world. The main field of activity became the so-called “E-textile”. Leveraging the disparate materials, technologies and techniques available within the established electronics and textile industries is leading to a totally new class of large-area, flexible, conformable informative/interactive systems; essential instrumental functions (power supply, sensor, actuator, processor) can be implemented onto fabric substrates, where the sensitive function is due to woven smart materials.

Milior spa

Milior was established over a century ago, with its growth based on an eye for the newest fashion trends, always looking to the future to create new fabrics and the technology needed to make and control them, always incorporating our many years of tradition and experience in all of its creative endeavors. Milior is a fifth generation company located since the early 1990s at its via pistoiese location. Over the years Milior has enjoyed continued growth, due in part to itsstrong belief in investing in the latest technological innovations of our industry. Nevertheless, Milior also believes in an atmosphere of creativity, versatility and flexibility being the main keys to opening the doors of the future.

Sofileta

Sofileta, located in the Rhône-Alpes aera of France, is an high grade technical textile manufacturer developing dedicated specialized textiles solutions, including conception, design production, characterisation and validation with end users. A fully integrated textile manufacturer, Sofileta owns weaving knitting, dyeing, finishing, laminating, and coating facilities. Sofileta's market are Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): law enforcement; fire fighter; petrol industry; mechanical industry; Extreme Sports; paragliding.

Thuasne

Based since its establishment in the Saint-Etienne region, the THUASNE company has become an expert in narrow elastic textiles techniques. The company made a major strategic turn in 1950, when it became a producer of high added value finished products for the medical market: "elastic compression products". Today, THUASNE makes elastic compression bandages, medical belts, adhesive and cohesive bandages, orthopaedic supports (medical ankle and knee braces), as well as medical compression stockings and tights.

University of Pisa “Centro E. Piaggio”

Interdepartmental Research Center “E. Piaggio” is an Institute of the University of Pisa, working to promote and perform multidisciplinary research in the fields of Bioengineering, Robotics and Automation. Mission of this Centre is to perform research work and form research personnel for the study, design and exploitation of automation and biomedical devices. Close collaboration with other Departments of University of Pisa allows involvement with further researchers with expertise in analytical chemistry, medicine and sensor systems. It cooperates with private and public companies to study specific application problems that need advanced or innovative solutions. The main research areas of our Institute include materials engineering (piezoresistives, piezoelectric polymer, polyelectrolyte gel, conducting polymer), and bioengineering: “intelligent” materials and systems for sensing and actuation (i.e. artificial senses - touch and olfaction, biosensors, pseudo-muscular actuators).

Dublin City University

The National Ccentre for Sensors Research at Dublin City University is a multidisciplinary research centre at Dublin City University (DCU) which encompasses staff from the Schools of Biotechnology, Physical and Chemical Sciences and Mechanical Engineering. The research structure of the NCSR focuses on three priority research themes: Photonics, Life Sciences and Health, Nanotechnology & Microsystems. There are over 165 researchers at the centre, including 24 academic staff from the Faculty of Science and Health at DCU and 6 academic members from the Institute of Technology, Tallaght. The Adaptive Sensors Group (ASG) has 20 full time researchers. The range of research encompasses molecular recognition, ligand design and synthesis, electrochemical and optical chemical sensors and biosensors, lab-on-a-chip, smart wearables, development of fully autonomous sensing devices, wireless sensors and sensor networking. Sensor applications include environmental, clinical, food quality and process monitoring.

Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique (CEA)

CEA (the French Atomic Energy Commission) is a public applied research organization with more than 16,000 persons in France. CEA mission is to develop know-how and ensure technological transfer to industry in a large variety of civil and defense applications. CEA-Grenoble has two main directions: LETI or Laboratory for Electronics and Information Technology (900 persons) and LITEN or Laboratory for Innovation in New Technologies for Energy and Nanomaterials (400 persons).

CSEM

CSEM, Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique (Swiss Centre for Electronics and Microtechnology), founded in 1984, is a private research and development centre, which has specialized in microtechnology, nanotechnology, microelectronics, systems engineering and communications technologies. It offers its customers and industry partners tailor-made innovative solutions based on its technological expertise from applied research. Furthermore, in founding start-ups, it actively contributes to developing Switzerland as an industrial location. Today a total of 22 such new enterprises have been launched by CSEM. CSEM's mission is to be one of the best innovation centres worldwide, providing new and novel applications and solutions for our customers by developing and applying our technology platforms in micro, nano and information technologies, thus adding value to the results of research. CSEM develops technology platforms in Microelectronics, system engineering, optoelectronics and photonics, mechatronics and microrobotics, nanotechnology, information and communication technology, microbiotechnology, and process technology.

S T & D

Sensor Technology and Devices Limited is a global leading developer and manufacturer of innovative, safe, reliable and cost effective devices particularly directed towards human vital signs and specialising in the application of sensors technology to all aspects of physiological measurements. The company was formed in August 2000 and began as an OEM based organisation originating as a spin-out venture from the University of Ulster.

Steiger

The Steiger-Zamark Group with more than 50 years of experience in the building of flat knitting machines, is today a company which is recognized internationally for its advanced high quality knitting machines. The Group has always aimed from its beginning to satisfy the needs and requirements of its customers and has directed its research activities towards developing highly innovative technologies and to build flat knitting machines which are able to anticipate and satisfy the ever changing fashion trends in the markets of the world.

Philips Research

Philips Research is a world-class multi-national industrial research organisation. It is a centre of innovation for all Philips business units including Philips Medical Systems one of the world largest medical companies. In addition to a successful history of research on professional diagnostic systems, personal health care systems and consumer connectivity Philips Research has easy access to all technology and expertise available within Philips. State-of-the art laboratories and workshops facilitate the production of prototypes.

CIBA Specialty Chemicals

Ciba Specialty Chemicals is a leading global company dedicated to producing high-value effects for its customers' products. We create effects that improve the quality of life - adding performance, protection, color and strength to textiles, plastics, paper, automobiles, buildings, home and personal care products and much more. Ciba brings new and creative thought to the processes and products of our customers in more than 120 countries.

Diadora-Invicta

Sport, leisure, work and school: Diadora-Invicta Group is one of the world's leading producers of footwear and sportswear. Formed in 1998 with the merger of two leading brands, the Group has a turnover of more than 300 million, including the brand-name Diadora Utility also formed in 1998 and assigned footwear and clothing for the workplace. The brand-names reach 72 countries throughout the world thanks to 60 distributors, 15 agencies, 70 exclusive stores and 140 retailers in the major international distribution chains, with exports covering 52% of production and access to the most competitive markets such as USA, Japan and Brazil. The continuity of its own history complements the sound international vocation: the Group's headquarter is in Caerano San Marco, Treviso- Italy, which has always been Diadora's Head Office. It is from here that the various project and marketing input, which are realised in delocalised production centres, start out. The Group relies on 600 co-workers and a strong managerial set-up. The youthfulness of the employees, average age around 30, makes for a dynamic group with fresh outlook in the welcoming of new market trends.

iXscient

iXscient is a research management services company whose team have decades of experience in planning, writing, winning and project managing major international research and development projects in medical devices, micronanotechnology and computing and electronics. In addition the team are experienced in organizing and executing commercial R&D strategies. iXscient is committed to bringing to R&D highly professional management expertise coupled with a deep technical knowledge and a rich experience of technology exploitation.

Zarlink Semiconductor

Zarlink is a major semiconductor company addressing the medical and low power market. For over 30 years, Zarlink has delivered semiconductor solutions that drive the capabilities of voice, enterprise, broadband and wireless communications. Zarlink employs over 1,000 people globally. Customers include Cisco, Samsung, Nokia, Fujitsu, Siemens, Huawei, LG, Marconi, Alcatel, NEC, Infineon, Panasonic and Cochlear. Zarlink is market leader in TDM/TSI switching chips, with the broadest TDM line in the industry. We are a leader in timing chips for T1/E1 and SONET equipment, TDM-over-IP processors, and tuners and demodulators for digital TV products. Zarlink is the largest independent designer and supplier of silicon chips used in cardiac pacemakers and hearing aids.

Brunet-Lion

Lion Protective Systems Group is the largest global manufacturer of firefighter protective clothing. Lion Apparel Systems Ltd is part of the Protective Systems Group of the US. Products include Janesville, Lion Rescue wear, BodyGuard, Lion footwear, Lion Sationwear, Paul Conway Helmets. Lion Apparel operates subsidiary and joint ventures in the U.S., a European Fabrication Platform includes France, U.K., Germany, Spain, Italy and sales office in Australia. The subsidiary in France is Brunet-Lion in the Rhône-Alpes which develops and manufactures complete firefighters equipment including helmet, the underwear, vest and trousers, gloves, boots and accessories.

Brigade de Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris (BSPP)

The “Brigade des Sapeurs Pompiers de Paris” is a military unit of firefighters, part of the French Army, composed of almost 7,000 men and women, and responsible for Paris (75) and three departments around Paris : Hauts de Seine (92), Seine-Saint-Denis (93), Val de Marne (94). The elite troops of BSPP have the record of the highest number of operations per day in France. More than 20 000 fire actions per year and 290 000 operations with medical activities. The BSPP collaborates with DDSC for the establishment of security regulations and is many often asked for security consulting.

INSA-Lyon

Located on the premises of the Science and Technological Park of la Doua in Villeurbanne, INSA Lyon is ranked among the top universities of Science and Technology in Europe, offering a highly multidisciplinary and international European Higher Education facility. LPM is a research laboratory involved in Biomedical Engineering. The research is oriented toward two complementary themes: · Study of the human body at several levels: whole body; organs or tissues; characterization of metabolic activities and reactions by non invasive measurements of Neuro-Thermo-Microvascular phenomenon. · Design and development of new sensors, micro sensors and associated devices.

EUCENTRE

The EUCENTRE is a non-profitable organisation founded by the Italian Civil Protection Department, the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology, the University of Pavia (Italy) and the Institute for Advanced Study in Pavia (Italy) with the aim of promoting, supporting and sustaining research in the field of seismic risk mitigation.

To accomplish the latter, the following target activity areas have been identified:

• applied research in the field of earthquake engineering, with a view to improve existing practice in assessment and reduction of seismic vulnerability and risk;
• support work towards the development of guidance documents for both practising engineers and governing bodies, bringing international state-of-the-art into national design codes and regulations;
• training of engineers and technicians in the field of seismic engineering, with specialisation in areas such seismology, geology, geotechnical engineering, material response, structural analysis and design, vulnerability assessment and emergency management;
• scientific and technological consultancy, at both national and international levels, always in the field of seismic problems.

Department de la Defense et de la Securite Civile (DDSC)

Emergency preparedness in France is shared by different ministries (Interior, Defence, Health…) but when an emergency occurs, it will be the task of the prefects and the mayors at local and departmental levels to prevent accidents and direct rescue operations.

If an intervention goes beyond a municipality, a unique Ministry, that of the Interior, will supervise, engage and co-ordinate emergency services. The French Minister of the Interior is in charge of emergency preparedness, which means that it has to take all the necessary prevention and emergency measures to protect the population in any circumstances. The co-ordination of emergency services is in the hands of the French Ministry of the Interior's Civil Defence and Civil Safety Directorate. Its missions:

• Preparing and implementing measures to protect the populations;
• Preventing any kind of civil hazards and planning emergency preparedness measures;
• Emergency actions to ensure the safety of persons and goods, in peacetime and during times of crisis;
• Civil safety intervention resources;
• Supporting the local fire and rescue services and drafting legislation governing these services;
• Providing information on civil safety and training senior officers in the fire service.

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