The internet of things (IOT) and industry 4.0 are main drivers for new developments. Consequently the interaction of virtual and real world by smart interconnecting of devices in our everyday life is the basis idea of the Cluster of Excellence "Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop" (CeTI) at TU Dresden. To enable a user-centric approach in CeTI innovative textile structures, mainly knitted fabrics, and their functionalization by integration of sensors and sensor yarns are under investigation. In the first phase suitable sensor yarns and innovative structures are developed and characterized as a reference for later investigations.