FlexTeX-IR – Development and testing of a medical AI-based therapy system consisting of flexible, self-sufficient, textile-based IR LED units, a scan module for detecting the area to be treated, and the connecting digital control system
Subproject of TITV Greiz: Development of textile substrates, conductive hybrid yarns, and innovative contacting solutions for the construction of self-sufficient IR LED modules with integrated sensor technology for medical applications in the field of sensitive skin diseases
2025 VFE 0081
Abstract
The joint project is developing an innovative infrared therapy system that is specifically designed to improve wound healing and treat dermatological conditions. At the heart of the system are modular, individually controllable textile-based IR LED module units that are connected to each other via intelligent sensor technology and AI-supported control. An additional skin scanner module captures image data from the injured area to be treated as a basis for diagnosis and determining the intensity of the IR therapy to be performed. At the same time, this data, which is temporarily stored in a secure environment, is used to monitor progress. The scan data enables precise and personalized IR irradiation, which can be individually tailored to the patient's needs in terms of the area to be irradiated and the medically necessary irradiation intensity. The sensors integrated into the flexible, textile-based IR LED module units also monitor important therapy parameters such as skin moisture and temperature in real time and provide continuous feedback on the course of therapy. The IR LED units are based on a novel textile circuit board using conductive hybrid yarns and the ultrasonic wire laying process. The use of textile materials increases flexibility and breathability. The therapy system developed is therefore well tolerated by the skin, adapts optimally to different areas of the body, and thus increases user-friendliness. The project focuses on researching and optimizing novel manufacturing processes for the self-sufficient IR modules and their integration into textile or flexible substrates. The aim is to provide a sustainable, powerful, and user-friendly solution for a wide range of medical applications.
Partners in the joint project coordinated by TITV Greiz are:
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Gera-Eisenach Cooperative State University, Gera
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AVT GmbH Automation and Process Engineering, Ilmenau
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MackSmaTec GmbH (formerly: ruhlamat GmbH), Marksuhl
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ITP GmbH – Society for Intelligent Textile Products, Jena
In its subproject, TITV in Greiz is developing the basic textile structures for the flexible printed circuit boards required in the joint project. The institute is actively involved in the development of the electrical circuit board layout, conducts material evaluations of conductive and non-conductive materials, produces hybrid yarns specially suited for the ultrasonic wire laying process, and develops solutions for the flexible, yet reliable connection of the textile circuit board with the electrical components necessary for the IR LED beam to function (IR LEDs and sensors).
The project, funded by the Free State of Thuringia, was co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Contact person
Samuel Bollmann
