AI and Automation Highlighted as Key Drivers of Textile Industry Growth: SIMA AI Tex Summit

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are increasingly influencing the development of the textile and clothing industry, improving productivity and enabling the production of higher-value products. These technologies were a central theme at the SIMA AiTex Summit held during SIMA Texfair 2026 in Coimbatore.

Clothing, one of the most basic human needs, has a history spanning several thousand years. Over time, the textiles and clothing industry has experienced major technological changes. In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation have begun transforming textile manufacturing by improving productivity, enabling the production of high-value products with consistent quality, reducing manual intervention and waste, and supporting predictive maintenance.

The development of the textile and clothing sector has passed through four major phases, beginning with the ancient cottage industry and moving to mechanised production. This was followed by automated manufacturing, and the industry is now progressing toward Industry 4.0, which integrates AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics.

AI-based technologies are being used for real-time defect detection to maintain product quality. By analysing machine data, these systems can identify potential failures and prevent breakdowns through predictive maintenance. They also support improved material utilisation, help reduce environmental impact, assist in predicting fashion trends, and enable personalised digital design solutions.

To promote awareness and help entrepreneurs and technocrats understand the latest developments in automation, AI, and digital transformation, the Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA) organised the AiTex Summit. The first edition of the summit was launched immediately after the inauguration of SIMA Texfair 2026, the International Exhibition on Textile Machinery, Spares and Accessories, held on 6th March 2026 in Coimbatore.

In his welcome address, SIMA Chairman Mr. Durai Palanisamy highlighted that the SIMA AiTex Summit showcases successfully implemented automation solutions that help textile mills enhance productivity, reduce production costs and improve operational efficiency across the value chain. By leveraging AI, ERP integration, intelligent data extraction and real-time analytics, these initiatives transform manual, experience-driven processes into structured, data-driven systems, delivering improved quality control, stronger compliance, optimised resource utilisation and a better overall experience for stakeholders across procurement, production, finance and management.

The summit was inaugurated by Mr. Ashwin Chandran, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), the apex body representing the Indian textiles and clothing sector. In his address, the CITI Chairman emphasised the urgent need for the textile industry to adopt AI-driven technologies to remain globally competitive, enhance productivity and ensure sustainable growth.

Expert sessions during the summit addressed several topics including leveraging data and AI technology for operational improvement. One session focused on the LMW e-Spares ERP Integration and Tracker, described as a centralised ERP-integrated tool that captures forex exposures and maps them against hedge contracts to provide real-time visibility and improved financial risk management.

Other discussions covered digital and operational automation in textile mills with EXIM automation and trade compliance, cotton testing through HVI and AFIS data integration, dispatch entry automation, and practical case studies on transforming spinning production processes from data collection to decision-making.

The summit highlighted the increasing importance of adopting AI and digital technologies across the textile industry to improve efficiency, strengthen competitiveness, and support a more resilient manufacturing environment.