Page 52 - IJAMD-2-3

International Journal of AI for
Materials and Design Intelligent interactive textile in healthcare

across domains, such as fashion, sports, and healthcare. specifically, the elderly population is expected to reach 26%
1-4
These AI-driven textiles leverage innovations ranging by 2026, further exacerbating demands on local healthcare
from bio-signal monitoring and electronic components facilities. 19-21 Responding strategically, the Hong Kong
to contactless control, transforming conventional fabrics government initiated the establishment of District Health
into dynamic, interactive platforms. The growth of AI Centres (DHCs) in 2019, aiming to enhance primary
5
in textile applications is evident in examples, such as healthcare accessibility and effectiveness. By 2023, these
temperature-sensitive materials and motion-sensing centers expanded into comprehensive community-based
garments, demonstrating real-time responsiveness in networks, serving approximately 205,600 (provisional
athletic training, safety gear, and medical diagnostics. In figures as of December 31, 2023) elderly residents. The
5-9
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the area of gesture recognition, most AI-powered textiles Wong Tai Sin DHC (WTSDHC), for example, exemplifies
rely on wearable sensors (e.g., data gloves) to capture this approach by offering specialized services, such as
finger and hand movements for sign language translation health risk assessments, chronic disease management,
or rehabilitation exercises. However, limitations remain and targeted rehabilitation programs delivered through
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in fully contactless systems, as many solutions still depend multidisciplinary healthcare teams. 23
on user touch or close-range sensing, underscoring a gap
for more accessible, “touch-free” interfaces in healthcare. Technological advancements globally illustrate how
5
As healthcare increasingly shifts toward unobtrusive AI and digital innovations can significantly enhance
tools for assisting seniors and individuals with mobility healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes. International
constraints, AI-integrated textiles can offer intuitive, examples include Singapore’s widespread adoption of AI
hands-free interaction – an approach further explored in initiatives, such as the SELENA+ system, AimSG, and
the next section on user-centered co-design. By seamlessly ACE. Other examples include AI in community hospitals
embedding computer vision and deep learning in interior and Japan’s Cancer Institute Hospital, where AI analyzes
textiles, researchers aim to expand usability from wearable extensive clinical datasets annually. 24-27 In contrast,
contexts into rehabilitative, clinical, and everyday healthcare Hong Kong is still in its early stages of AI technology
settings, thereby enhancing both patient engagement and development. Hong Kong’s DHCs currently utilize
therapeutic outcomes. 4,10 Proposing innovative healthcare relatively basic technological tools, such as digital health
solutions for the elderly is increasingly important, and the records and standard health screening devices, reflecting
integration of AI offers significant potential to enhance limited AI integration. 28,29 Despite the evident potential
well-being through personalized, responsive, and engaging and global trend toward AI-driven healthcare solutions,
interventions. adoption remains limited among elderly populations in
Hong Kong. Often attributed to technophobia or the grey
As global demographics shift toward an increasingly digital divide, seniors’ reluctance toward new technologies
aging population, healthcare systems worldwide face commonly stems from internalized ageism – self-imposed
unprecedented challenges in providing quality elderly care. beliefs about their inability to learn or master digital tools.
The World Health Organization projects that by 2030, one in However, Köttl et al. also highlight that many older adults
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six individuals globally will be aged 60 or older, significantly genuinely desire to learn and can excel in technology
straining healthcare infrastructure and resources. 11,12 This use when provided with suitable support and accessible
demographic shift demands transformative changes in interfaces. Interactive textiles, as intuitive, tactile, and user-
elderly healthcare delivery, especially in densely populated friendly platforms, present a valuable starting point for
urban areas where healthcare facilities already operate elderly individuals to engage with AI and other emerging
at capacity. Older adults typically require up to 4 times technologies. By providing an accessible and reassuring
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more healthcare resources than younger adults due to the interface, smart textiles offer older users an empowering
prevalence of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular opportunity to demonstrate their capacity to adopt,
diseases, diabetes, and dementia, further amplifying learn, and benefit from advanced technological solutions,
pressures on healthcare systems. 13,14 In Asia, countries ultimately bridging the existing digital divide and
or regions such as Hong Kong, China, South Korea, and facilitating wider acceptance of AI-enhanced healthcare
Japan are particularly impacted, with elderly populations 31-33
projected to surpass 37% by 2050. Specifically, Hong interventions.
15
Kong is projected to have 40.6%, South Korea 39.4%, This study proposes an AI-driven gesture recognition
and Japan 37.5% of their populations aged 65 or older by textile-based system, developed through a co-design
2050, 16,17 intensifying shortages of specialized healthcare approach, to create interactive illuminative wall panels
professionals and highlighting the critical urgency that integrate smart textiles and user-centered design
for innovative healthcare solutions. In Hong Kong principles for healthcare applications. As outlined in
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Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 46 doi: 10.36922/IJAMD025170013