Artificial Intelligence, also known by the acronym AI, is playing an increasingly important role in many areas and business sectors. At TopTex, we are also affected, because the textile industry is no exception to the rule!

But what exactly are we talking about? And what are the applications of AI in the world of textiles? How could it revolutionise certain aspects of our profession? That’s what we’re going to try to decipher in this article.

First of all, it is important to specify that AI encompasses a range of technologies capable of simulating human intelligence. One example is Machine Learning (ML), a branch of AI that gives machines the ability to learn automatically, thereby improving their performance. Technological advances are revolutionising many aspects of our society and our economy: customer relations, creation and design, logistics… and we’re only at the beginning!

Artificial Intelligence is as fascinating as it is worrying, but it is increasingly emerging as a strategic asset in helping to tackle certain modern issues and challenges facing the textile industry.

Careful sourcing of raw materials, optimised logistics management, adaptation to ever-faster fashion cycles, the need to offer ever more original designs, and increasingly advanced shopping experiences…

You’ll see that AI can be a major ally at (almost) every stage in the life cycle of a textile: from the idea, through design, customisation, distribution… and even protection, right up to sale to the end consumer!

Set off with us into the (not so futuristic) world of Artificial Intelligence, serving the textile industry.

AI in the garment design process

The creation of a product begins with an idea, thoughts, sketches… and of course this process must take account of market trends and consumer expectations.

Artificial Intelligence can play a key role right from this stage.

We saw in the introduction that AI is a set of technologies, and more specifically algorithms, that run in a totally dynamic environment.

These algorithms are revolutionary: they can process an immense quantity of constantly updated data in record time.

For example, AI can detect current trends using data relating to consumer behaviour: their internet searches, the content they watch and like most on social networks, etc. Genuine predictive analysis that enables us to anticipate the expectations of tomorrow’s customers.

And the contribution of this technology doesn’t stop there: if we move on to the creative process, AI can then imagine unique designs based on text descriptions, create digital patterns, and even simulate fittings on virtual mannequins!

AI for customising textiles and accessories

While AI can provide cutting-edge ideas for textile cuts and patterns, it can also be invaluable when it comes to marking a product.

Imagine a design or logo whose shapes and colours have been approved. By combining the know-how of textile customisation experts with AI-based technologies, it is possible to optimise the entire marking process. The precise choice of dye for faithful, long-lasting colour reproduction, suggestions of suitable processes depending on the complexity of the motif, the material used to make the fabric…

This includes optimising the use of the dyes, water and electricity required for the customisation process.

The benefits: By combining the expertise of professionals in the sector with the automation and rationalisation of certain tasks, it is possible to make significant savings in terms of time and budget. All while maintaining the quality of the work!

An invaluable aid for customising all types of textiles and accessories: terry cloth, pouches and bags, light or dark coloured sweatshirts, etc. The only limit is your imagination!

AI in the production of textiles and accessories

Obviously, one of the most important aspects of the textile industry is production!

Certain tasks, by their repetitive nature, can be sources of errors. The good news is that AI-powered machines can support human teams, lightening their workload… Cutting, sewing, assembly and knitting can all be carried out by highly efficient, automated robots.

Other machines can detect malfunctions, optimise the consumption of resources, or act on the rate of production, allowing professionals to focus on the more creative and strategic aspects of their business.

The benefits are numerous: unprecedented speed and precision, fewer manufacturing defects, less waste, rationalised use of resources, flexibility and agility…

In short, financial savings, a more efficientglobal production chain , employees devoted to higher added-value tasks and, above all… unrivalled productivity!

AI in the logistics and transport of clothing and accessories

Let’s continue our journey through the life cycle of a textile or accessory and move on to the delivery stage (to a distributor or directly to the end customer). Once again, Artificial Intelligence is changing the game!

Logistics is a real issue: between the growing desire to reduce our carbon footprint and optimise the use of vehicle fleets, while ensuring on-time, compliant delivery, the challenges are multiple and complex.

Once an order has been finalised, AI can optimise picker movements by suggesting strategic locations for products, depending on the season or turnover rate. References can even be organised in such a way as to improve the flow of information for operators, reducing the risk of forgetting or making mistakes when preparing parcels.

When it comes to transport and delivery to the recipient, AI can help again: optimising vehicle loading, route planning, anticipating traffic conditions and delays, and even taking weather data into account.

Complex calculations make it possible to compile different sources and types of data, to define the best possible scenarios at a given moment.

Impressive, isn’t it?

… and many other areas of application!

Design, customisation, production and distribution: we’ve already covered a large number of the stages at which AI can come into play when it comes to the textile industry. But there are still plenty more!

Take customer experience, for example: the trend is towards tailor-made recommendations. Well, AI allows an unprecedented level of personalisation, according to individual tastes and criteria. And there are even virtual fitting rooms!

Other applications of AI in online shops include the design of outfits based on what the user is looking at, and ‘intelligent’ suggestions for complementary and matching products.

We tested it out and asked an AI programme to come up with a combination of three items distributed by TopTex that could make up a stylish, professional mid-season outfit.

And here’s the result!

In other areas, such as protection, Artificial Intelligence is capable of analysing visual characteristics to detect possible counterfeits, and, coupled with blockchain, it enables creations to be protected in a highly secure way.

You’ve guessed it: AI is everywhere. And we haven’t seen anything yet, because its applications are constantly evolving, being enriched and perfected, and paving the way for new ways of working.

But one thing is for sure: it is hard to imagine that one day it will be able to replace human sensitivity, and for the time being it remains dependent on our intervention to function fully. And, of course, AI comes with its own set of challenges! For example, the ecological impact of AI, data security, and the (not insignificant!) costs of implementation and familiarisation for workers are real issues.

So, yes, Artificial Intelligence has clearly become part of our landscape, but it’s not about to replace humans. On the other hand, it is a real ally capable of helping us to optimise, anticipate, analyse, automate and personalise many tasks and processes!