Smart clothing suits Peratech

SMART textile firm Peratech has signed a deal which will see it further develop its business fitting new technology to clothing and bags.

The deal follows North Yorkshire-based Peratech acquiring Guernsey-based company Eleksen from administrators last month.

Eleksen develops a range of textile fabric sensors which are used in the manufacture of clothing and in electronic products including the Apple iPod and mobile phones.

Now Peratech, based in Brompton-on-Swale, will licence out the Eleksen 'consumer wearables' business into QIO Systems which was originally a spin out from Eleksen.

QIO Systems gains a worldwide exclusive licence to the intellectual property and design rights for the electronics and textile touchpads of Eleksen and for the manufacture and sale of ElekTex textile touchpads for use in both consumer and commercial applications.

In exchange, Peratech will take an equity shareholding in QIO Systems.

“The relationship with QIO is part of Peratech's strategy to move smart textiles from the niche and into the mainstream. Our ElekTex technology, combined with QIO's range of electronics will provide brand holders and consumers with exciting new ways to interact with their personal electronic devices,” commented Chris Lussey, joint chief executive of Peratech.

“These guys, who were the architects of Eleksen's wearable products and emerging e-system strategy, understand better than anyone in the industry how to move the wearable electronics to the mass market. We're excited about this new partnership,” he added.

“This deal sets QIO Systems on the path to success. We're committed to continuing Eleksen's tradition of exceptional customer support and innovation in wearable electronics solutions,” commented John Collins, president and chief executive of QIO Systems. “It's exhilarating to be back with the technology, relationships and customers we know so well.

QIO Systems will be launching a range of iPod and iPod-Bluetooth control systems for clothing and bags in time for the autumn and winter fashion season and the back to school season later this year.

Peratech has developed a system called Quantum Tunnelling Composites (QTC). QTC's are electro-active polymeric materials which enable the action of 'a touch' to be translated into an electrical reaction, enabling devices to incorporate very thin touch and pressure sensors.

QTC materials have been used by NASA and government agencies across the world.

Eleksen's ElekTex technology, which enables touch screens to be incorporated into clothing, is used in applications ranging from wearable electronic controls for consumer electricals and industrial clothing to space suits.