Advanced manufacturing, smart textiles and digitalisation
AI AND DIGITALIZATION FOR GREATER EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE TEXTILE SECTOR
IA4AITEX
Motivation
The textile sector is facing increasing challenges driven by regulatory pressure, sustainability requirements, international competition, and limited availability of raw materials. These challenges are compounded by operational issues such as textile waste management, process variability, reliance on manual inspections, and low levels of digitalization in key stages, all of which increase costs and reduce efficiency.
In this context, there is a clear need to implement advanced digital solutions that enable task automation, optimization of waste classification and valorization, improved quality control through machine vision, data‑driven decision‑making, and easier access to artificial intelligence for textile SMEs. The IA4AITEX 2026 project addresses these challenges by promoting a comprehensive strategy for digitalization and automation aimed at increasing production efficiency, enhancing sustainability, and providing technological tools that can be immediately applied at the factory level.
Objectives
To drive the digital transformation and sustainability of the textile sector through the development of advanced solutions based on artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 technologies, optimizing manufacturing, material classification, and recovery processes within a circular economy ecosystem.
Expected results
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Full sorting pilot based on RGB and NIR/SWIR vision systems to classify textile waste by material and color, achieving high levels of accuracy and industrial‑scale processing speed.
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Automatic inspection pilots for knitted fabrics, tufting, and spinning processes, including automated defect detection and measurable improvements in quality, efficiency, and process stability.
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Advances in the integration of cameras and AI software, evaluating different sensor types and optical configurations to maximize robustness against textile variability.
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Development of adaptive software integrating analysis, data capture, visualization, and AI modules within a single platform.
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Preparation of dissemination and technology transfer materials, including outreach events, technical guidelines, and demonstrable in‑plant results.
Grant number: PENDING
Programme: Plan of non-economic activities 2026
Period of execution: January 2026 – December 2026
Status: In progress
More information: PLAN OF ACTION
Entity: IVACE
Project supported by the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism of the Generalitat Valenciana, through IVACE.
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R&D AREAS
New high-performance functionalised materials
Circular economy and sustainability
Advanced manufacturing, smart textiles and digitalisation
High value-added solutions for strategic markets
RELATED PROJECTS
NEWS
AITEX is present at the Babykid FIMI fair at Feria Valencia from January 26 to 28, presenting tests and certifications for children’s products.
AITEX has attended the Cosmetorium fair in Barcelona once again on October to present its new products for the cosmetic sector.
AITEX has hosted the LIFE POLITEX workshop entitled “Closing the textile polyester cycle: challenges and opportunities”, based on promoting sustainable solutions for the management and recycling of textile materials.