HKRITA Panel Discussion on the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Textiles and Apparel

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been widely applied in various industries. To keep the textiles and design industries abreast of latest developments, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) organised a panel discussion “Threads of Innovation: Textile x AI Exploration and Prospect” at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre on 6 June 2024. Experts from the industry and the R&D sector explored with the audience how advanced AI capabilities can foster breakthroughs in textiles and design.

Ms Katherine Chan, Director (Business Development) of HKRITA, kicked off the panel discussion by introducing the institute’s work and inviting industry partners to work with HKRITA to enhance the competitiveness of the industry.

Ms Katherine Chan, Director (Business Development) of HKRITA, delivers a welcoming speech

Group photo of the hostess and speakers
From left: Mr Raymond Chiu, Senior Research Manager of HKRITA, Mr Stephen Sze, Chief Technology Officer of Alvanon, Mr Herman Chan, General Manager of Quaternion Hong Kong Limited, Dr Yajing Shen, Associate Professor of Electronic and Computer Engineering of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Dr Tracy Mok, Associate Professor of School of Fashion and Textiles of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Ms Katherine Chan, Director (Business Development) of HKRITA

 

Dr Yajing Shen, Associate Professor of Electronic and Computer Engineering of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, gave an account of an innovative tactile sensor for fabric evaluation. Developed by deep learning and designed to simulate human touch, the robotic sensor system can accurately evaluate fabric attributes such as thickness, elasticity, smoothness, and softness. This sensor and the software system allow textile manufacturers to streamline their fabric inspection processes, reducing reliance on manual labour and minimising errors caused by subjective assessments or miscommunication.

Mr Raymond Chiu, Senior Research Manager of HKRITA, presented the latest AI-driven initiatives developed by the institute. The first project focuses on the development of a Smart Garment Sorting Recycling System, comprising four modules that can identify the type, colour, composition and fabric structure of a piece of clothes—critical information to guide manufacturers to use an appropriate recycling method. The second project, “Denim Fabric Cotton Recovery by Mechanical Warp-Weft Separation”, leverages AI to detect denim fabrics’ structure, warp yarn density and feeding orientation to enable the recovery and reuse of the valuable warp threads.

Dr Yajing Shen, Associate Professor of Electronic and Computer Engineering of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, shares the development process of the tactile sensor

Mr Raymond Chiu, Senior Research Manager of HKRITA, introduces the modules of the Smart Garment Sorting Recycling System

 

Mr Herman Chan, General Manager of Quaternion Hong Kong Limited, shared the trend of AI integration across fashion and textile production, design, and development. He briefed his company’s work in incorporating generative AI capabilities with 3D visualisation technology. This AI solution empowers designers to speed up product development, procurement and prototyping.

Mr Stephen Sze, Chief Technology Officer of Alvanon, introduced the company’s AI platform which features the creation of virtual 3D body models. The system provides a better fitting experience and facilitates e-commerce. Brands can also gain more information of their customers’ demand, making more precise production planning in order to minimise excess inventory and reduce costs.

Mr Herman Chan, General Manager of Quaternion Hong Kong Limited, explains how the AI platform assists fabric design

Mr Stephen Sze, Chief Technology Officer of Alvanon, introduces the features of the body measurement platform

 

Dr Tracy Mok, Associate Professor of School of Fashion and Textiles of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, hosted the panel discussion session. She invited speakers to share how AI can be leveraged in their respective fields and challenges encountered during development. The speakers agreed that AI has transformed the production process and application, for example, converting collected data into meaningful insights for easier application, better fitting experience, and faster product development. As the technology continues to mature, it is hoped that the industry can explore the power of AI in order to stay ahead of rapidly evolving market.

The panel discussion was held during the Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabric, attracting an audiences of over 90. HKRITA continues to strengthen exchange and communication with the mainland industry through various activities. The event replay is now available in our podcast channels.

Experts share challenges and opportunities in developing AI technologies

The panel discussion receives enthusiastic support