Driving Innovation and Transforming Process
Milind Khangan
Manager | Marketing
Prophecy Market Insights
In the current rapidly evolving technological landscape, the increase of new innovations and advanced technologies cannot be ignored. Specifically in the area of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, it is important to understand the contribution of these technologies on the process of the textile manufacturing process. These advanced technologies, such as AI, help in accomplishing the daily tasks in the industrial fields of industrial engineering and manufacturing.
The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the textile industry has been crucial. The integration of AI technology in the textile industry has boosted transformative success and profound organisational changes. AI technology can provide significant benefits and opportunities in the textile industry if it is utilised effectively. The addition of AI technology can streamline different textile manufacturing processes, which further enhances the speed of the work. This integration also ensures that both customers and textile manufacturers reach their ultimate goals effectively.
According to a research report published by Prophecy Market Insights, the global AI in textile manufacturing market size is projected to reach USD 22.5 Billion by 2035, with an expected CAGR of 24.8%.
Applications of AI Technology in the Textile Sector
In today’s world, the textile industry is struggling with challenges, including the growing need to boost production efficiency, surging employee turnover rates, and the need to reduce manufacturing costs. AI and several other cutting-edge technologies can be potential solutions to these problems, further providing the prospect of manufacturing high-quality goods in shorter time periods. Some of the leading applications are:
- Material Grading Enhancement:
Artificial intelligence (AI) can help in evaluating the quality standards of textile products and can also oversee the process of material grading more rigorously. The integration of AI technology offers advantages, including time-saving, cost-efficiency, and monitoring and grading of materials, used in textile production, accurately. The AI technology is added as it can boost both Quality Control and Quality Assurance processes, further offering consistent standards for textile materials globally.
- Reduce Mistakes While Inspection:
It is important to understand the limitations of human inspection for the purpose of attaining the pinnacle of quality control in textile manufacturing. As human inspection is a thorough process, the inspectors may not be able to identify each and every minor flaw or difference in the quality and quantity of the textile products. The challenges can be tackled by deploying artificial intelligence (AI) technology to decrease human errors during the inspection phase during the manufacturing process.
How AI is Integrated in Garment Manufacturing?
The textile industry comprises a number of processes, which mainly range from the receipt of orders to the finished textile products’ shipment. The processes can engage different departments, such as design, inspection, sourcing, cutting, CAD, marketing, finishing, sewing, and many others. In the textile manufacturing process, AI can be integrated into areas, such as:
- AI and Textile Inspection:
In the textile industry, textile inspection is mainly conducted by skilled workers, which use specific equipment, under the defined lighting conditions. However, with all this expertise, the textile cannot be inspected completely, and the human eye can miss some things during inspection. To overcome this issue and save time, AI technology is adopted as it offers a solution, which can operate at high speed and efficiency compared to human inspection. The AI-driven Inspection helps ensure high accuracy and reduces the risk of human error.
- Integration of AI for Better ERP Entries:
One of the persistent challenges in the textile manufacturing process is the inefficiencies related to manual data handling and data entry. AI can largely enhance the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, further enhancing daily operations. AI can help textile manufacturers to automate entries, based on materials’ bills, provide feedback to the sourcing team, manage costs, and also execute several other tasks via the ERP system.
- AI in Textile Cutting:
An artificial intelligence (AI) system can be introduced and deployed for textile cutting. The process can become fast and efficient with the addition of AI in the textile industry globally. Some of the best examples of AI in textile cutting are the JAZA software, which is combined with a fabric cut planning system, and OptaCut software, which helps in calculating the required fabric quantity.
- AI with Sewing Machines:
The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with sewing machines and other related equipment is offering a number of opportunities for textile manufacturers. The AI-enhanced sewing machines have the ability to execute complex operations and alleviate different challenges across the sewing line. Fully automatic sewing machines, semi-automatic sewing equipment, and AI-integrated conveyor belt systems have already begun to replace humans in executing textile manufacturing tasks. This integration can help companies to fuel profitability and ensure good product quality.
Leading Smart Textile Manufacturers in the World
- Adidas AG
Adidas AG is a multinational company, which designs, produces, and markets casual and athletic footwear, accessories, and apparel. In recent times, it has been observed that Adidas is heavily investing in the development of smart textiles, which include advanced sensing and tracking technologies. The company has launched a variety of products having sensors to track performance metrics, including breathing rate, body temperature, and heart rate.
- AiQ Smart Clothing Inc.
Canada-based designer and manufacturer of smart textiles AiQ Smart Clothing Inc., is increasing its focus on the utilisation of cutting-edge technology, which incorporates advanced electronics with textile engineering. The company’s products are designed to improve the comfort, functionality, and aesthetics of the fabrics by setting electronic components and sensors into the fabric. The company’s patented technology helps to produce textile products that have the ability to sense, communicate, and react with the environment of the wearer.
- Clothing+
Clothing+ is a textile manufacturing company that designs and produces smart clothing and wearable technology. Clothing+’s core technology is currently based on the incorporation of conductive textiles, sensors, and microelectronics into clothing. The company’s portfolio also includes many lines of smart clothing, which are specifically designed for a particular application. The company also offers custom design and production services to its clients. Additionally, the company also places a strong emphasis on producing products, which are both fashionable and functional.
Recent Developments in AI in Textile Manufacturing Globally:
- In October 2024, Lectra extended its support for the digital transformation and transition toward Industry 4.0 of automotive, fashion, and furniture companies by launching Valia Fashion. Valia Fashion is a new intelligent digital platform, which is designed for the fashion industry that integrates the power of AI and the unique expertise of Lectra in fashion.
- In September 2024, Camira, a leading producer and designer of commercial textiles across the globe, launched its first AI-powered image search tool in the U.K. textile industry. The new tool will help textile designers to specify the manufacturing process.
- In March 2024, the world’s leading retailer Walmart launched a pilot project in collaboration with Unspun, a leading fashion technology company, by using the first 3D weaving technology. If the project is a success, then it can help the companies to reduce textile production’s environmental impact, and will further offer a more sustainable process to rising smart textile demand and support the companies’ commitment to manufacture more smart textiles.
Conclusion
The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the textile manufacturing sector highlights a significant transformation further fueling the efficiency and innovation across different processes. AI is reshaping the textile industry right from material grading enhancement and decreasing inspection mistakes to revolutionising the textile manufacturing process with AI-powered systems in ERP, cutting, and sewing.
In addition, AI is not only enhancing the textile manufacturing industry but is also transforming it, further offering new opportunities for cost reductions, innovation, and sustainability. With the continuous growth in AI, the textile manufacturing industry’s future looks promising, driven by efficiency and environmentally friendly production methods.
