The aim of the project is to develop, manufacture and test new innovative concepts for the reversible integration of electronics in shoes. A modular approach is to be used to provide SMEs with a means of integrating electronics into shoes in compliance with the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) and implementing them efficiently, thus efficiently linking the electronics and shoe manufacturing industries. It will be simplified for shoe manufacturers (mainly SMEs) to add electronics to the shoe in the form of an additive component without necessarily having to deal with the hurdles and risks that the ElektroG poses to SMEs. This could represent a massive facilitation of the trade of "wearables" in the European area and lead to a product improvement and a competitive advantage for German manufacturers (SMEs). The "wearables products" manufactured in the project will be subjected to tests regarding their safety and functional reliability for the wearer and will be investigated and researched regarding a corresponding standardization in the area of integration methods and safety. Utilizing the research findings, design guidelines will be formulated to establish criteria for developing electronics that can be seamlessly integrated and modularized, while possessing the required attributes. These will make it possible to improve the product of a "wearable" in terms of safety and to adapt it to individual requirements. The adaptation of products to individual customer requirements and wearables products are currently addressing a growing market. The modular approach also aims to improve the recyclability of individual electronic components and thus fulfill sustainability aspects for valuable raw materials.

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude for the funding of the research project with the funding code 01IF22292N , which was provided as part of the program to promote “Industrial Collective Research (IGF)” from the budgetary funds of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) on the basis of a resolution of the German Bundestag via the German Aerospace Center (DLR) as the project management agency.

We also extend our sincere thanks to all companies and their employees for their active support in the execution of this project.