Advanced Functional Fabrics of America

Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) is a public-private partnership led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The partnership was created as a component of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation in April 2016 and received $75 million in 2016 from United States Department of Defense as Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Manufacturing Innovation Hub to study smart fabric for warfighters.[1][2] The members are 32 universities, 16 industry members, 72 manufacturing entities, and 26 startup incubators.[3][4] Corporate members include American apparel companies Nike and New Balance, and medical device manufacturer Medtronic.[5]

The AFFOA is expected to conduct research in Internet of Things and wearable computing.[6] The U.S. Army Research Laboratory is supplying body armor and sensor expertise to the program.[7]

References
  1. Jonathan Takiff (April 1, 2016), "MIT, Defense Department Announce Plans for Smart Fabrics", The Philadelphia Inquirer – via Government Tech, Sophisticated products serve the national interest even when soldiers are not wearing them...As one example, new tech wearables with interwoven sensors that first measure the health and fatigue levels of soldiers will also serve the needs of sports coaches...
  2. DoD Announces Award of New Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Manufacturing Innovation Hub Lead in Cambridge, Massachusetts (press release), United States Department of Defense, April 1, 2016, Release No: NR-115-16
  3. Obama Administration Announces New Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Manufacturing Innovation Hub in Cambridge, MA and New Report on $2 Billion in Manufacturing R&D Investments, Office of the White House, April 1, 2016
  4. David L. Chandler (April 1, 2016), "New institute will accelerate innovations in fibers and fabrics: National public-private consortium led by MIT will involve manufacturers, universities, agencies, companies", MIT News
  5. Bruce Wright (June 29, 2016), "Smart fabrics, smart move: From research to manufacturing reality through the AFFOA Institute", Specialty Fabric Review, Industrial Fabrics Association
  6. Mary Catherine O'Connor (April 5, 2016), "Can the IoT Change the Very Fiber of Society? A major research and development project aims to change the meaning of "a smart-looking outfit."", IOT Journal
  7. David McNally (May 24, 2016), Army scientist to advise on futuristic fabrics, textiles research, U.S. Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs


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