Large-area display textiles integrated with functional systems

Displays are basic building blocks of modern electronics(1,2). Integrating displays into textiles offers exciting opportunities for smart electronictextiles-the ultimate goal of wearable technology, poised to change the way in which we interact with electronic devices(3-6). Display textiles serve to bridge human-machine interactions(7-9), offering, for instance, a real-time communication tool for individuals with voice or speech difficulties. Electronictextiles capable of communicating(10), sensing(11,12) and supplying electricity(13,14) have been reported previously. However, textiles with functional, large-area displays have not yet been achieved, because it is challenging to obtain small illuminating unitsthat are both durable and easy to assemble over a wide area. Here we report a 6-metre-long, 25-centimetre-wide display textile containing 5 x10(5 )electroluminescent units spaced approximately 800 micrometres apart. Weaving conductive weft and luminescent warp fibres forms micrometre-scale electroluminescent units at the weft-warp contact points. The brightness between electroluminescent units deviates by less than 8 per cent and remains stable even when the textile is bent, stretched or pressed. Our display textile is flexible and breathable and withstands repeated machine-washing, making it suitable for practical applications. We showthat an integrated textile system consisting of display, keyboard and power supply can serve as a communication tool, demonstrating the system's potential within the Internet of things' in various areas, including healthcare. Our approach unifies the fabrication and function of electronic devices with textiles, and we expect that woven-fibre materials will shape the next generation of electronics.

Automated summary

Integrating display technology into textiles opens up exciting possibilities for smart electronic textiles, revolutionizing human-machine interactions and providing real-time communication tools for individuals with voice difficulties. This display textile, with its durable, flexible, and breathable design, offers stable brightness even when bent, stretched, or pressed, making it suitable for practical applications in various fields, including healthcare within the Internet of Things. This innovative approach combining electronic devices with textiles is expected to shape the next generation of electronics.