emtec to showcases TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer for objective fabric hand feel testing at Techtextil North America 2026
emtec Electronic GmbH will present its award-winning TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer at Techtextil North America, taking place from 4–6 August in Raleigh, offering textile professionals an opportunity to experience objective fabric hand feel testing through live demonstrations.
Located at Booth 1431, emtec’s Global Business Development Manager Alexander Gruener and textile consultant Harrie Schoots will demonstrate how the company’s tactile measurement technology transforms the traditionally subjective assessment of textile hand feel into objective, repeatable, and digitally shareable data.
As one of North America’s leading trade fairs for technical textiles and nonwovens, Techtextil North America provides an ideal platform for emtec to showcase innovations that support quality assurance, product development, and digital collaboration across the global textile value chain.
Live Fabric Testing with Objective Haptic Analysis
Visitors to the emtec booth will have the opportunity to bring their own fabric samples—approximately 100 cm² in size for live testing using the TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer.
The instrument objectively measures critical haptic characteristics including:
- Surface softness
- Surface smoothness
- Stretch and recovery
Using proprietary algorithms, these measurements are converted into an overall Hand Feel (HF) value, delivering an objective assessment that closely correlates with human tactile perception. According to emtec, the mathematical model behind the TSA can achieve a correlation with human expectations of almost 100%.
Beyond standard hand feel evaluation, the TSA also offers additional testing capabilities for:
- Air permeability
- Thermo haptic behaviour
- Thermal insulation
Optional modules further expand the system by enabling measurements of compressibility, crumple behaviour, and fabric drape.
Virtual Haptic Library Enables Digital Fabric Evaluation
A key highlight of emtec’s technology is its integration with the Virtual Haptic Library, a cloud-based platform that digitises measured haptic data.
The platform enables manufacturers, brands, retailers, and suppliers to compare textile hand feel using standardised digital values, supporting real-time quality assurance and improved communication across global supply chains.
By replacing subjective evaluations with measurable data, the solution aims to streamline fabric approvals, improve consistency, and accelerate product development.
Educational Session on Digital Quality Control
In addition to live demonstrations, textile consultant Harrie Schoots will deliver a presentation titled:
“Realising Fabric Softness and Smoothness as Part of Your QC Program – Digital Approval of Fabric Handfeel Today.”
The session will explore how digital haptic measurements can be incorporated into quality control programmes, enabling retailers, buyers, and suppliers to establish tolerance ranges for fabric softness and other tactile properties.
The presentation will also discuss how digital hand feel specifications can complement existing digital colour management systems, helping accelerate approvals before shipment while ensuring consistency across multiple fabric sources.
“We are passionate about sharing our knowledge of textile haptics and demonstrating how objective hand feel measurement can support more sustainable product development and quality control throughout the textile industry,” said Harrie Schoots.
Supporting the Digital Transformation of Textile Quality
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, emtec continues to expand its portfolio of objective textile testing solutions designed to improve consistency, traceability, and efficiency throughout textile manufacturing.
During Techtextil North America, Alexander Gruener and Harrie Schoots will welcome visitors to Booth 1431, where attendees can experience hands-on demonstrations, explore the latest developments in textile haptic measurement, and learn how objective hand feel testing is helping drive the digital transformation of textile quality management.
