KnitWarm weaves heating technology into smart fabric @ The Standard
The recipient of the “Excellence in Technology Adoption Special Award” at the HKMA/HKT Global Innovation Award 2022/23, KnitWarm is a groundbreaking smart textile that generates heat by a powerbank and is breathable, stylish, lightweight and eco-friendly.
Bronze Award Winner of the Innovative Organization (Small and Medium) category, KnitWarm is the first-of-its-kind patented heat-conductive smart textile woven by industry-leading 3D knitting techniques using silver-coated conductive yarn and other sustainable materials, including recycled polyester from plastic bottles. The result is a soft and ductile knitted textile circuit that generates heat when plugged, and it is indistinguishable from regular knits.
“The innovation process was arduous, yet happy,” recalls Stephen Ng, the inventor and co-founder of KnitWarm. “We are glad that our invention could improve users’ quality of life with different applications.”
With extensive experience in the textile industry and knowledge of fabric properties, Stephen and his team coped with dynamic tasks to ensure a better user experience. “One of the challenges was that traditional electronic technologies are rigid and lack elasticity, which meant that we had no relevant reference materials to work with. Oppositely, the soft and stretchy nature of fabrics posed a unique challenge, but also presented an opportunity for us to create something truly innovative.”
Testing the market with an array of innovative products
KnitWarm can be used in a variety of settings, the creative teams have prioritized creating personal accessories at the beginning. The softness and stretchability make it an ideal material for wrapping around body parts and diffusing heat directly. Stanley Kwok, another co-founder of KnitWarm stated, “We want everything to go slim and sleek.”
The design x technology approach used by KnitWarm is particularly effective because it allows thoughtful execution in fulfilling individual needs.
Stanley highlights the new product “WarmerShoulder”, designed in response to comments made by physiotherapists that the shoulder is the most difficult part to apply heat therapy. “The ultra-slim WarmerShoulder uses only a three-dimensional knitted piece of fabric to completely cover the shoulders, providing not only a soft and cosy feeling but also improving blood circulation and reducing discomfort due to fatigue and muscle tension,” he explains. Normally, regular clothing requires three pieces of fabric to cover the shoulder area, but WarmerShoulder’s seamless one-piece design and weighing only 88 grams enhances comfort and makes heat therapy less burdensome and will not hinder daily activities.
KnitWarm offers a range of warm accessories from head to toe that can also serve therapeutic purposes.
Through local innovation and collaboration, KnitWarm is proudly invented, designed, and produced in Hong Kong. With various projects in partnership with other brands and organizations, KnitWarm aims to showcase the sophisticated production capabilities of Hong Kong. As Stanley explains, "We have collaborated with local signature brand Chicks and the design alliance to launch a capsule collection, which includes the Seamless Pouch StrapWarmer - a phone case with a strap that warms the neck like wearing a scarf.”
Stephen looks forward to exploring more opportunities for KnitWarm, especially when marketing plans came to a halt during the pandemic, and consumer behaviour changed post-pandemic. Its products are available online, with physical stores in the HKTDC Design Gallery, SPECTRUM Central Market, designated physiotherapy clinics. The winter items such as ski jackets and pants have been brought to Hokkaido, Japan.
“KnitWarm is ready to collaborate with different partners to explore more possibilities,” he says. “We believe our patented technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries.”
Pushing the boundaries of smart textiles
KnitWarm is a pioneering Design X Technology brand that combines comfort with well-being through innovative, patented heat-conductive smart textiles, it can warm up in 30 seconds when plugged into a light-weight, low-voltage power bank to give a gentle warm sensation analogous to the skin under the sunshine.
Recognized by over 50 global awards, including the German “Red Dot Product Design Award 2023” in the innovative product category, KnitWarm’s unique breathable materials make it stand out from conventional bulky and cable-laden heating clothing and gadgets. Using state-of-the-art technology, it can be a compact, comfortable and stylish fashion accessory.
Moreover, it is washable and good for repeated use, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to disposable warmers. Minimizing its impact on the environment, it is made of sustainable material using 3D seamless knitting, ensuring that every product is made to the same high standards without wasting extra material.
Adding to its durability is its design to withstand minor yarn breakage or snags and daily wear-and-tear.
Instead of plastic cables, the cords are woven into the fabric for maximum comfort. The cords link to an easy-to-use USB control and a mobile app that can connect up to six products, allowing users to remotely control the timer, adjust the heat-setting levels and maintain a controlled constant temperature at their fingertips.
Focusing on user experience and being attentive to details, KnitWarm is poised to create more innovative offerings to benefit customers, industries and the planet at large.
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