KINGSTON, R.I. – Jan. 4, 2023 – University of Rhode Island students studying textiles and electrical and biomedical engineering are getting a sophisticated tool – an ultramodern knitting machine that can produce anything from finished garments to smart textiles useful in such industries as apparel, health and recreation.
The knitting machine and design software are being made possible through a $125,605 grant from The Champlin Foundation, part of a $498,965 award to benefit four URI projects that will advance technology, learning experiences, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
“This machine is the top of the top right now,” said Izabela Ciesielska-Wrobel, assistant professor of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design and the primary principal investigator on the grant. “It’s a beautiful, modern piece of equipment that is extremely versatile.”
The…