A decade ago, we used to see AI robots in films and pondered whether this would ever become our reality. Now, we live in a world where AI is a hot topic, as it is influencing every industry.
If you have been wondering if AI is impacting the textile industry as well, then the answer is yes. Multiple aspects of the industry are seeing the implementation of AI software.
In the past, these methods required immense human labor, which not only slowed the process but also led to errors and poor quality. But now, with AI, there is hardly any room for errors, and the processes have become faster, resulting in greater high-quality production.
Let’s explore the various applications of artificial intelligence in the textile domain.
AI’s Revolution in the Textile Industry
The textile industry has adopted AI technology in many of its processes. In fact, AI’s footprint is now visible in every facet of the industry – from manufacturing to quality control to designing.
- Automating Supply Chain Management
Artificial intelligence is automating a lot of processes in supply chain management. The combination of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) helps manage warehouses, separate products, and improve communication. Thus, AI is enabling materials to move between manufacturers and merchants efficiently.
In addition, AI is exerting its influence on the realm of merchandising. It makes data analysis convenient and personalizes customer experiences through behavior tracking and predicting trends.
- Efficient Quality Control
AI has many advanced tools and technologies that are impacting textile quality control. For example, Cognex Corp has developed a sample-making technology powered by AI, which simplifies fabric cutting and decreases waste production.
It helps to organize fabric layouts and adapt patterns to accommodate stretching during cutting. Hence, this results in enhanced efficiency in production.
Color matching is another fundamental aspect of textile production. AI is revolutionizing this, too. A Swiss company, Datacolor, is using AI-powered methods to refine color tolerances. Their methodology uses past data and visual assessments.
- Design Innovation
AI’s impact is visible in the designing stage of the textile industry with its design and simulation software. One of these is computer-aided design (CAD) systems. Through this technology, designers can create precisely detailed computer-generated patterns and 3D models. This allows designers to refine their concepts in an easier and faster manner.
Textile businesses can also utilize AI for personalized production. They can create personalized designs by analyzing customer and industry trends.
- Inspecting Fabric Pattern
When it comes to inspecting fabric patterns, AI and its tool, artificial neural network (ANN), are coming in handy. They have significantly decreased human errors. Cognex ViDi is a technology in which AI inspects fabric patterning, leading to faster production and better accuracy.
- Enhancing Color Management
With the help of AI, companies are improving color management techniques in textiles. They are achieving exact tolerances by utilizing past data derived from visual assessments by humans. This AI technology is not only a time-saver but also fosters better color consistency among goods.
- Consistent Fabric Grading
Due to machine learning methods, fabric grading has become much more consistent. This tool uses fiber data and artificial neural networks to classify accurately.
The company WIseEye developed an AI-powered tool that seamlessly tracks the quality of the fabric. Thus, manual fabric inspection is no longer required.
- Streamlining Yarn Manufacturing
AI makes yarn manufacturing easier by managing various stages, including the blow room and carding. It also supervises the drawing and winding processes.
Human involvement in the production of yarn is greatly reduced due to the presence of AI-based control panels. This means that the process is a lot more efficient, and there is no room for errors. As a result, yarn grading is now more accurate, and the textile produced is of better quality.
Embracing AI in the Textile Industry
Artificial intelligence is transforming various aspects of the textile industry. From production and quality control to design and supply chain management, all of these segments have readily adopted AI. As a result, the manufacturing processes are now more efficient and less prone to errors. What’s more, is that product quality has greater consistency.