Companies develop smart fabrics to transform animal healthcare

3E Smart Solutions, in collaboration with ZSK, has created a new generation of smart fabrics designed to improve animal healthcare. Both companies, based in Krefeld, Germany, have combined their expertise to embed advanced technologies directly into textiles using ZSK’s state-of-the-art embroidery systems.

The fabrics integrate smart components such as sensors, LEDs, heating elements, and therapeutic technologies, offering new ways to monitor, treat, and care for animals. ZSK’s precision embroidery technology allows circuit boards, sensors, and conductive pathways to be stitched directly into fabrics. This reduces strain, improves signal quality, and removes the need for extra connectors while maintaining flexibility and durability.

Using conductive threads and precise wire placement, ZSK can embed temperature sensors, antennas, LEDs, and multiple signal channels within textiles. These features enable applications ranging from wearable health monitoring to wireless communication, with high accuracy and resilience.

At the core of 3E’s products are biosensors embroidered into fabrics for continuous monitoring of vital health indicators, including heart rate, ECG, respiration, and muscle activity. These sensors are integrated into collars, harnesses, and blankets without compromising comfort. One of the standout innovations is the Smart Equine Harness, a washable, breathable garment that transmits real-time health data via Bluetooth for use in veterinary diagnostics, animal training, and proactive care.

3E also uses smart embroidery for therapeutic purposes. Flexible LED arrays are stitched into garments to provide red and near-infrared light for photobiomodulation therapy, which reduces inflammation and supports tissue recovery. An example is the LED Therapy Wrap for dogs, which directs light to targeted areas while remaining soft and comfortable.

For visibility and safety, 3E incorporates flexible LED lighting into vests and equestrian gear, ensuring brightness without reducing comfort. GPS-enabled textiles with integrated antennas provide real-time location tracking through lightweight collars and garments, avoiding bulky devices. The company has also developed magnetic therapy blankets with induction coils for localized muscle therapy, circulation improvement, and inflammation reduction.