Intelligent fabrics have sensors that respond to environmental stimuli from mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical, or magnetic sources. Passive intelligent fabrics sense stimuli, whereas active intelligent fabrics sense and react to stimuli. An overview of passive intelligent fabrics addresses optical and conductive fibers. Bragg optical fiber gratings integrated in fabric structures act as sensors and signal transmission lines. Applications include ropes, composite beams, parachute canopies, touch pads, and protective clothing that detects toxic agents. keyboards incorporate fabric switch matrixes sewn from conductive and nonconductive fabric layers. Applications include computer keyboards, musical keyboards, and gloves that transform hand motions into electrical signals. 29 refs.