Philips Electronics, a global leader in healthcare, lifestyle and technology, delivering products, services and solutions, has succeeded in embedding arrays of red, green and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) beneath the surface of textiles, making it possible for soft furniture and clothing to come alive with numerous patterns of colored light. Integrated electronics drives the LEDs to create fixed or moving patterns of light that bring the magic of illumination to the textiles.

Philips’ Lumalive technology features flexible arrays of colored LEDs fully integrated into the fabric, without degrading the softness or flexibility of the cloth. These light emitting textiles make it possible to create materials that can carry dynamic messages, graphics or multicolored surfaces.

The jackets or shirts are comfortable to wear. The electronics, batteries and LED arrays are fully integrated and invisible to the observer and wearer. Maybe you wanna ask how to wash the clothes? Simply disconnect and reconnect batteries and control electronics after the garment has been cleaned. The light-emitting layer can be easily removed and refitted to the jacket.

The products include features that make them practical for daily use. Light-emitting textiles have important potential applications in medicine, healthcare and personal safety. I think it is beneficial for those who usually bikes or walks at night. It prevents them from any automobile accident and the like.

These first-generation jackets are ready for commercialization by companies partnering with Philips Research, particularly those in the promotional industry looking for a new, high-impact medium.