Interview: Smart Textiles in Action
July 27, 2026
What requirements do emergency responders have for modern uniforms and equipment? And how can smart textiles help in their day-to-day work? We discuss these topics with Bernd Häusinger, who served with the Nuremberg riot police from 1982 to 1987 and has been retired since 2016.
Mr. Häusinger, what do you mean by “smart textiles,” and what benefits do you see for emergency responders?
Bernd Häusinger: Traditional protective clothing already offers features such as protection against heat, cold, or fire. Smart textiles go a step further and integrate additional features, such as sensors or warning indicators.
Their benefits are evident wherever they can enhance safety or support emergency responders in their day-to-day work.
What requirements do emergency responders have for uniforms and equipment?
Bernd Häusinger: Uniforms must be robust and functional, much like outdoor clothing. They should protect against all weather conditions and be as lightweight as possible. Comfort is also particularly important, since officers often work in these clothes all day long. When on patrol, sufficient freedom of movement must also be ensured.
Uniforms have evolved over the past few decades: Earlier models—such as those from the 1970s and 1980s—were sometimes impractical. Ties were uncomfortable and could even pose a risk in conflict situations. Shoes and weather-protective clothing also did not always meet the requirements.
Body armor was significantly heavier than it is today and was worn under clothing, which restricted mobility. Over time, many improvements were implemented—some of which can already be seen as precursors to smart textiles.
For example, the poor visibility of earlier uniforms led to the introduction of reflective elements. There were also developments in gloves: to prevent injuries, such as from splashes during searches, models with special puncture protection were introduced.
These developments show that innovations are particularly successful when they arise from practical needs.
What is particularly important when it comes to new technologies in the field?
Bernd Häusinger: Reliability, ease of use, and durability are crucial. Especially in high-stress situations, systems must function intuitively. As long as these requirements are met, I believe the benefits of new technologies outweigh the drawbacks.
How open are first responders to smart textiles?
Bernd Häusinger: Emergency responders are generally open to new technologies if they offer a clear advantage. It’s important that new features work in real-world situations and actually make the job easier. Adaptability is also important, since threat scenarios and working conditions are constantly changing.
In your view, what is the most important factor for the success of smart textiles?
Bernd Häusinger: Education and transparency about the technology’s capabilities are key. Functionality, light weight, ease of use, and reliability are particularly important.
What was your impression of the “Forum Textil” event?
Bernd Häusinger: Overall, the event was a great success. I liked the venue and the organization. The exhibition offered not only expertise and technical knowledge but also hands-on experiences. I found the presentation on the space suit particularly interesting as an example of what’s now possible with textiles.
However, despite all the technical developments, the focus should always be on practical applicability in real-world use by the police, fire department, and other users. After all, that’s where it becomes clear whether new protective clothing and smart textiles truly offer an advantage.
The interview was conducted by Dr. Monika Voigt, project manager in the Materials division at Bayern Innovativ.
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