As the number of women holding roles in the armed forces and fire services grows by the year, researchers at the Wilson College of Textiles <\/a>are touting new technology that will help those critical service members serve more comfortably and safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last summer, NC State\u2019s Textile Protection and Comfort Center<\/a> (TPACC) received a new manikin designed to test the effectiveness of garments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As remarkable as its ability to produce heat, sweat and walk is, similar technology has existed for years. In fact, TPACC researchers have had access to so-called \u201csweating manikins\u201d for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But none have been specifically designed and shaped to test women\u2019s garments. It\u2019s a glaring deficiency considering the growing portion of these critical workforces occupied\u00a0 by women.<\/p>\n\n\n