Projects

Research Projects & Innovation | Proteggi Italia

At Proteggi Italia S.r.l., our R&D Division forms the bridge between a century-old textile manufacturing heritage and future-oriented technologies. We embed chemistry, computer science, engineering, and nanotechnologies directly into fibers, converting passive fabrics into active, sensorized, and intelligent systems.
Our R&D activities are carried out in synergy with leading universities and research institutions, including Sapienza University of Rome, Politecnico di Torino, Politecnico di Milano, CNR, the Italian Space Agency (ASI), and Thales Alenia Space.
1. Aerospace & Defense Research
  • SAINT TEXTILE / SAINTELISIRTEXTILE Project (PNRM & Expo 2025 Osaka): An active platform for Search and Rescue (SAR) missions at sea and in hostile environments, officially presented at the Italy Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka under the "Saving Lives" priority. The solution utilizes multi-layer smart patches functionalized with Phase Change Materials (PCM such as Vanadium Dioxide and Tungsten), microfluidic circuits triggering hydro-active exothermic reactions, and integrated self-powered GPS/LoRa telemetry to maximize night-time IR tracking via FLIR thermal cameras and NVG night vision goggles.
  • Smart Home Systems: Development of a flexible "smart skin" wall for  Space Missions, featuring conductive yarns that modulate LED lighting (blue/red shifts) to regulate astronauts' circadian rhythms.
  • Orbital Hydroponic Cultivation (TENACI Project): Inert textile substrates functionalized via nanometric co-sputtering films for controlled nutrient release, enabling soil-free agriculture on the Space Missions.
  • Astronaut Telemedicine: Sensorized garments integrated with machine learning algorithms to track biometric parameters and analyze musculoskeletal deconditioning during prolonged spaceflights.
  • Extreme Containment & Shielding: High-density helium-resistant textiles and lightweight fabrics engineered to replace metals and withstand micrometeorite impacts in inflatable space modules.
2. Medical & Telehealth Field
  • Non-Invasive Biometric Telemonitoring: Development of specialized wearables such as SensoHeart (detecting heart failure and pulmonary edema), SensoSleep (wireless sleep monitoring), SensoFeet (motion tracking), and SensoHead (wireless EEG) for continuous remote patient monitoring.
  • Thermo-Regulating & Active Delivery Fabrics: Integration of microencapsulated PCMs for dynamic heat absorption and release, alongside microcapsule-embedded yarns that gradually release active cosmetic or medical ingredients onto the skin triggered by friction or moisture.
3. Industrial Safety & High-Performance Sport
  • Extreme Thermal Protection & Wearable Antennas: Engineered fabrics withstanding temperatures up to 1,370°C for hazardous environments, paired with wearable micro-antennas woven into protective garments for real-time operator localization.
  • AI-Powered Sportswear: High-tech athletic wear incorporating elastomeric conductive threads that measure thoracic expansion, record gait data, and emit acoustic warning signals when critical overexertion thresholds are reached.