Smart fabrics with tangible benefits for animal welfare

Both companies are based in Krefeld, Germany, and their collaborative work has involved embedding smart components such as sensors, LEDs (light-emitting diodes), heating elements and therapeutic technologies directly into fabrics to enhance how animals are monitored, treated and cared for.

ZSK has long been at the forefront of using embroidery to integrate sensors and electronics into textiles, with decades of expertise in precision engineering. Its technical embroidery technology enables circuit boards, sensors and conductive pathways to be stitched directly into fabrics, reducing mechanical strain, improving signal quality and eliminating the need for extra connectors.

At the core of 3E’s products are biosensors integrated into textile structures to enable the continuous monitoring of vital health indicators like heart rate, ECG (electrocardiogram), respiration and muscle activity. These sensors are being seamlessly embroidered into items such as harnesses, collars, and blankets without compromising comfort, flexibility or durability.

Smart Equine Harness

Conductive threads and tailored wire placement allow for low-resistance traces, multiple signal channels and the integration of components such as temperature sensors, LEDs and antennas directly into the fabric structure.

This supports a wide range of applications—from wearable health monitoring to wireless communication—offering a unique combination of precision, durability and design flexibility.

One example is the Smart Equine Harness—a washable and breathable garment that delivers real-time health data via Bluetooth, designed for veterinary diagnostics, athletic animal training and proactive health tracking.

Therapeutic light treatments

3E’s technology extends to light-based therapy, with soft, flexible LED arrays embroidered into garments for animals. These use red and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths to support photobiomodulation—a non-invasive treatment that reduces inflammation and promotes tissue healing.

The LED Therapy Wrap, designed for dogs recovering from surgery or injury, delivers therapeutic light precisely where it is needed without hard components or discomfort.

By integrating embroidered heating zones, 3E has also created animal garments such as thermal vests and recovery blankets with low-voltage heating elements which are safe for direct contact with skin or fur and are fully washable, making them ideal for use in colder environments or during post-operative care.

Motion tracking

3E’s smart wearables can also feature motion sensors to track animal activity, posture and gait in real time.

Embedded in gear such as horse boots or smart vests, they can detect early signs of lameness, discomfort or behavioural anomalies, with data easily accessible through connected mobile platforms—allowing caregivers and veterinarians to intervene early.

Illuminated textile designs

To improve visibility and safety during night walks or outdoor activities, 3E is also incorporating embroidered LED lighting systems into animal wearables.

Products such as illuminated vests and equestrian gear use flexible light strands, including Sunfibre active lighting, for optimal brightness without sacrificing softness or wearability.

Soft GPS integration

3E further meets modern tracking demands with GPS-integrated textile solutions. In soft, lightweight collars and garments, antennas and power components are seamlessly stitched into the fabric, enabling real-time location tracking without the need for bulky devices.

This innovation ensures both functionality and comfort, offering pet owners and caregivers greater confidence and control over their animals’ safety.

Magnetic field therapy

Finally, 3E has developed magnetically active therapy blankets. Using embroidered induction coils, these garments provide localised magnetic field therapy to aid muscle regeneration, improve circulation and reduce inflammation. The design ensures that no rigid components are required, maintaining the comfort and flexibility animals need during recovery.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (CG)