Identification of the Brazilian demand for accredited assays for intelligent textiles applied to health through patent analysis

Abstract

The market for wearable technologies generated around R$350 billion in revenue in 2019, including several applications. Among these, those related to health care have been standing out, allowing diagnoses to be facilitated and lives to be saved. However, the existence of accredited testing laboratories is one of the challenges to be faced by the national industry to expand its participation in the smart textiles market. This study aims to identify the Brazilian demand for accredited assays focused on intelligent textiles applied to the healthcare area. To this end, an analysis of patent data from this area was performed in order to determine the current coverage of these tests and the respective existing gaps. It was concluded that most of the technologies developed in smart textiles applied to health require electrical, magnetic, and software testing. Among these, the greatest demand for software testing in smart textiles was found.

Keywords: Accredited Testing Laboratories; Smart Textiles; Patent Analysis.