This paper reports, for the first time, a dispenser printed proximity sensor on fabric for wearable creative applications. The entire proximity sensor is dispenser printed onto a woven polyester/cotton fabric which is the predominant fabric used for clothing. Dispenser printing of electronic functions on fabric allows for significantly greater design freedom compared to weaving or knitting. In addition, it is a digital printing process and therefore does not require additional masks or screens compared with more traditional screen or gravure printing techniques. The printed proximity sensors are tested using an Arduino micro-controller, used throughout the smart fabrics industry, and the results show that the printed sensors detect the proximity of a human hand or limb and can therefore be used for, or integrated within, existing smart fabrics allowing interactivity.
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