Intelligent Fabric

Eleksen, a British-based company, has developed a method of manufacturing sensors and switches from textiles. This, of course, opens the door to all kinds of "smart clothing" and fabrics that have network awareness, such as blankets and children's toys. The fabric can be sewn and washed, and can generally tolerate far more abuse than standard electronics.

Because of its ruggedness, the technology has lots of potential in medical, military and emergency management applications.