Grant agreement ID: MGA-2026-47385
Funded by Scientific Research Project Unit of Istanbul Technical University
Start Data: 13.01.2026 - End Date: 15.01.2029

E-TEXIOT is an innovation platform that enables secure and natural interaction between a wearable garment composed of e-textile-based multi-sensor/multi-actuator modules and IoT devices in indoor environments such as homes, schools, hospitals, and factories. The platform integrates augmented reality (AR) interfaces, fog/edge-cloud computing, and a flow-based middleware architecture (similar to Node-RED).

The wearable platform consists of modular components—including socks, knee braces, wristbands, gloves, T-shirts, and similar garments—that can be attached to and detached from different parts of the body. Through these wearable modules, body posture and physiological signals will be sensed in real time, interpreted using machine learning and deep learning (ML/DL) models with an emphasis on resource efficiency, and user commands will be transmitted to IoT systems through textile-based interaction devices using the MQTT publish-subscribe communication paradigm.

The platform will be developed under the leadership of the ITU Soft Sensors Lab (Istanbul Technical University Department of Textile Engineering and Department of Computer Engineering), in collaboration with the industrial partner Demsay Elektronik, leveraging its expertise in electronics, industrial design, printed circuit boards, and communication technologies.

The project has identified three main sub-projects: (i) body sensor networks for textile-based human motion capture systems, (ii) miniaturization and control electronics development for a textile-based pneumatic glove system, and (iii) continuous monitoring of accessibility for individuals with disabilities across different public transportation modes. All prototypes developed within these sub-projects are targeted to reach Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6).

In addition, research activities will be conducted with incoming and outgoing international researchers on EEG-oriented soft robotic control, while undergraduate student teams will contribute to studies on haptic and interactive wearable technologies.

The expected outputs include an interactive wearable-IoT platform, TRL 6 technology demonstrators, a data-sharing layer, open-source flow templates, industrial prototypes, scientific publications, and impact and accessibility reports. The anticipated societal benefits include improved accessibility and safety, indigenous solutions supporting digital transformation, increased qualified employment opportunities, and enhanced technological competencies.