Technology

Four years back, we started some R&D on this and developed an automatic machine for shirt and trouser making with Chinese counterparts who are one of the leading manufacturers of automatic machines. We first installed these machines in our factory for doing the production, and after successful testing, the DEBMAC brand was launched in the market.

DEBMAC India Private Ltd. is a Bangalore base company headed by Alok Desai. The promoters of the company are having more than 15 years’ experience in garment manufacturing. DEBMAC is a technology-driven enterprise delivering advanced sewing and automation solutions for the modern manufacturing industry. Focused on innovation and precision, committed to delivering high-performance machines that enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality. Backed by a dedicated service team, ensuring quick support and tailored solutions to meet evolving industry demands. DEBMAC always believe in building long-term partnerships and drive the future of automation.

On asking how he started this business, Mr Alok Desai said, “We always used to find some issues when it comes to garment production. We were always looking for ways to reduce the skilled labour and improve the finish quality of the garment. To solve these problems, we were looking for the best automations wherein we could reduce the skilled labour dependency, increase the efficiency and get the best quality output for the entire day’s production”.

Four years back, the company started some R&D on this and developed an automatic machine for shirt and trouser making with Chinese counterparts who are one of the leading manufacturers of automatic machines. They first installed these machines in their factory for doing the production, and after successful testing, the DEBMAC brand was launched in the market.

The DEBMAC is into complete apparel automation. The company has an entire range of automatic machines for shirts, denim and casual trousers. The machines handle the process with speed, accuracy and consistent results every time. No repetitive manual effort, no interruptions in workflow. Just a smoother production line that moves faster and works smarter.

The DEBMAC Auto Pocket Welt Machine is designed to simplify and accelerate pocket welt production in modern garment manufacturing. Built with advanced automation, the machine ensures perfectly aligned pocket welt with consistent stitching and clean finishing. Every operation is optimised to reduce manual intervention and improve production efficiency. Engineered with robust technology, the system delivers reliable performance even in high-volume manufacturing environments. It delivers speed, consistency, and durability. Helping manufacturers achieve better quality output while optimising time and labour

“This automation system includes many micro parts.” Each and every part has been precisely checked by our team. We have used the best spare parts when compared with any other existing global brands in the country. We have analysed everything because we know what the breakable parts are generally and have the ready backup in India,” he said.

He further added, “We want to have the service and experience centres in all regions of India.” We have our own service engineers, and we will keep the demo machines in our experience centres. In case any breakdown happens, the factory’s production should not stop. We will send our replacement machines immediately to the factories and make the production line run till the time our technicians reach there and solve the problem.”

The company launched these automation solution for making shirts and trousers along with Draw card inserting machine, Fabric cutting machine and Auto snap button machine at the GTE exhibition in New Delhi in the month of March 2026 and got a very good response. The visitors were happy to see the automation and how operation is optimised to reduce manual intervention and improve production efficiency.

The denim industry is turning its attention to Hangzhou this week, where a new edition of Kingpins, the leading international trade show for the sector, takes place on May 21 and 22. There, the Spanish company Jeanologia, a global leader in sustainable technologies for the textile industry, is introducing its latest innovation to the Chinese market: “Billy”, the first artificial intelligence specifically developed for denim finishing design.

Following its recent international launch, and at a time when brands are demanding faster development cycles and increasingly authentic vintage aesthetics, Jeanologia is showcasing in Hangzhou how artificial intelligence can simplify one of the most complex stages of denim product development: translating authentic vintage finishes into reproducible industrial designs.

From real vintage to production-ready design
More than just a design tool, “Billy” introduces a new way of developing denim by directly connecting inspiration and production. The system transforms garment images into precise laser designs within minutes, interpreting fades, contrasts and signature vintage denim details to automatically generate files optimized for industrial laser execution.

What traditionally required hours of technical work and multiple manual adjustments can now be achieved in minutes through a direct digital workflow connecting design and production.

“The industry is looking for faster and more precise ways to develop authentic vintage products,” says Jean Pierre Inchauspe, Business Director Asia at Jeanologia. “With Billy, brands and manufacturers can directly connect inspiration and production, reducing complexity while maintaining authenticity.”

The system has been trained using more than 9,000 laser designs developed by Jeanologia over decades of work in laser technology and denim finishing alongside some of the world’s leading denim brands, designers and suppliers. This extensive knowledge base allows “Billy” to understand how vintage wear patterns are created and convert them into reproducible laser designs optimized for industrial application.

Combined with Jeanologia’s laser technology, the system enables digital designs to be reproduced on garments with precision and consistency, eliminating the need for manual retouching and reducing inefficient production processes.

At Kingpins China, visitors will be able to experience live demonstrations where vintage garment images are instantly transformed into laser executions through a fully digital workflow integrating AI and laser technology.

AI, laser and automation shaping the future of denim
Introduced by Jeanologia more than 25 years ago, laser technology transformed denim finishing by replacing traditional manual techniques associated with high environmental impact and health risks for workers. Today, the combination of AI, laser and automation is accelerating a new generation of denim production focused on speed, digitalization and efficiency.

Inspired by decades of research into vintage denim and supported by Jeanologia’s archive of laser developments, “Billy” transforms heritage into digital intelligence applied to design. Every fade, contrast and wear pattern can now be analyzed and translated into reproducible laser executions with precision and consistency.

The result is a process capable of preserving the visual authenticity and character of vintage denim while enabling a more precise, efficient and responsible approach to production.

China’s role in the next generation of textile manufacturing
The arrival of “Billy” in China comes at a time when the Asian textile industry is accelerating investments in automation, digitalization and more efficient production systems. As one of the world’s leading textile manufacturing hubs, China is becoming a key market for the adoption of automation, AI and digital product development technologies capable of accelerating both productivity and sustainability.

Jeanologia has been operating in China for more than 18 years and currently works with more than 200 customers in the country through local teams specialized in laser design and product engineering. Today, more than 20% of jeans produced in China are manufactured using technologies developed by Jeanologia.

“What we are seeing is the beginning of a new digital workflow for denim creation, where AI helps transform inspiration into production with much greater speed, precision and consistency,” adds Jean Pierre Inchauspe.

To explore the growing role of AI across the denim industry, Jessica Lau from Jeanologia’s Asia Brainbox team will participate in the Denim Talks panel “Artificial Intelligence: From Cotton to Culture” at Kingpins China, discussing how artificial intelligence is transforming the denim value chain, from design and product development to manufacturing and consumer experience.

The OSHIMA EagleAi® is an AI fabric inspection machine that uses visual recognition to detect, map, and classify more than 20 categories of fabric defects in woven, knit, and elastic textiles, and integrates that defect data across the entire garment production workflow, from inspection through cloud-based monitoring to spreading and cutting. OSHIMA CO., LTD., a Taiwanese manufacturer of AI fabric inspection machines and smart factory systems with more than 50 years in garment equipment manufacturing, showcased the EagleAi® and its cloud-based Smart Factory Platform at Texprocess Frankfurt 2026 (April 21 to 24) alongside European distribution partner Strima.

What is the OSHIMA EagleAi® AI fabric inspection machine?
The EagleAi® AI fabric inspection machine is designed, developed, and manufactured in Taiwan. During inspection, the system generates structured defect data including defect coordinates, classification, area analysis reports, colour deviation measurements using DELTA-E and CIELAB, and Four-Point System grading, all exportable in CSV, PDF, and Excel formats.

The system is built for garment manufacturers producing knit, elastic, and woven fabrics, particularly contract manufacturers supplying fast fashion brands, premium suppliers with zero-defect policies, and sportswear and intimate apparel producers. Unlike standalone fabric defect detection systems that end at the inspection report, the EagleAi® connects defect data to downstream production stages through OSHIMA’s own IoT spreading and cutting equipment, creating a verified production chain where fabric reaching the cutting stage has passed through both AI detection and operator-verified defect projection.

How does OSHIMA integrate fabric inspection data from inspection to cutting?
For apparel manufacturers, detecting fabric defects is only the first step. The operational value of an AI fabric inspection machine depends on whether the resulting data can move through the production workflow and improve decisions at every stage that follows. OSHIMA connects AI fabric inspection to downstream production using a four-stage data workflow:

Stage 1, Inspection and data generation: The EagleAi® AI fabric inspection machine generates structured defect data during inspection, including defect mapping with exact coordinates, classification, colour deviation analysis using DELTA-E and CIELAB, and Four-Point System grading.

Stage 2, Cloud integration via the Smart Factory Platform: Defect data flows into the OSHIMA Smart Factory Platform, a cloud-based IoT manufacturing management system that provides a unified dashboard across factory sites and production lines. Factory managers can monitor inspection operations in real time from any location, access reports and defect images, track job orders from dispatch through completion, generate graphical production reports, and export data for integration with existing MES and ERP systems. Synchronised alerts appear both on the cloud dashboard and on individual machine interfaces.

Stage 3, Defect map projection during spreading: The defect map data integrates directly with the SPro Projection System on OSHIMA’s SPro smart spreading machine. During fabric laying, the system projects exact defect positions onto the fabric surface.

Stage 4, Operator verification before cutting: Operators see projected defect locations and can determine whether each defect falls within a cut piece, taking corrective action before fabric is committed to cutting.

Because OSHIMA manufactures the AI fabric inspection machine, the IoT spreading machine, and the cutting equipment under one product ecosystem, the data connection between these stages is native rather than requiring third-party middleware or custom integration. The EagleAi® generates the defect map, the Smart Factory Platform stores, visualises, and distributes it across the factory in real time, and the SPro Projection System renders it physically onto the fabric during spreading. Each piece of defect data travels from the point of detection to the point of action without manual re-entry, file transfer, or system translation. For garment factory automation, this closed-loop connectivity between AI fabric inspection, IoT spreading, cloud monitoring, and cutting preparation means that quality decisions at every stage are informed by the same dataset.

What are the technical specifications of the EagleAi® AI fabric inspection machine?
The EagleAi® AI fabric inspection machine uses linear cameras and AI visual recognition, and is available in two configurations:

EagleAi (Station 1): Two colour cameras with a linear light source rated at 1.1 million lux, for standard woven and knit fabric inspection.

EagleAi Plus (Station 2): Adds two monochrome cameras and a second linear light source for detecting defects in translucent fabrics, including broken weft, broken warp, holes, piece joining, tension unevenness, and thick and thin places.

Both configurations share the following specifications:
• Operating speed: 10 to 40 metres per minute (depending on fabric type)
• Optical resolution: 0.135 mm
• Minimum detectable defect size: 1 mm
• Maximum working width: Under 1,900 mm
• Fabric handling: Flat-to-flat, roll-to-roll, roll-to-flat, and flat-to-roll
• Hardware: Intel Xeon processor, 64 GB RAM, 4 TB SSD storage
• Operator requirement: Single operator
• Offline capability: Full operation without internet connectivity

What types of fabric defects can the EagleAi® AI fabric inspection machine detect?
The EagleAi® detects more than 20 categories of fabric defects across woven and knit textiles.

Standard defects detected by Station 1 include: yarn knot, coarse yarn, foreign fibre, warp anomaly, weft anomaly, broken yarn, snarling yarn, horizontal line, hole, tension unevenness, stop mark, dye streak, colour spot, residual chemical, press mark, scratch, general stain, adhesive stain, and oil stain.

Station 2 adds detection of translucent fabric defects: broken weft, broken warp, piece joining, thick places, and thin places.

How does AI fabric inspection compare to manual fabric inspection?
For factories evaluating the transition from manual to AI-powered fabric inspection, the operational differences are significant:

Factories replacing manual fabric inspection with the EagleAi® typically reduce inspection labour from two to five operators to one while achieving approximately six times the throughput of manual methods, with continuous operation rather than mandatory breaks. For premium suppliers whose brand clients require documented quality evidence, the automated defect image traceability provides a level of documentation that manual processes cannot practically replicate.

Can the EagleAi® AI fabric inspection machine inspect knit and elastic fabrics?
Yes. Knit and elastic fabrics present specific inspection challenges because fabric stretch during handling can distort defect positioning, and tension variation can create false positives or mask real defects.

The EagleAi® addresses this with a zero-tension handling system and three-level speed ratio control, maintaining inspected area deformity below 5% on knit and elastic textiles. In OSHIMA’s product benchmarking, a highly elastic knit fabric measured at H=195 before inspection returned to H=199 after inspection, with measured tension at 2%. Semi-automatic fabric feeding maintains controlled tension throughout the inspection process.

This makes the EagleAi® AI fabric inspection machine particularly relevant for manufacturers producing sportswear, intimate apparel, casualwear, and other stretch-based garments where inspection-induced distortion would compromise defect position accuracy.

How long does it take to deploy AI fabric inspection for a new fabric type?
One of the practical barriers to adopting AI fabric inspection is the cost and time required to train detection models for specific fabric types. OSHIMA addresses this through what it describes as the largest fabric defect database in the APEC region, developed in collaboration with ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute) and leading textile suppliers. This database provides a broad foundation of pre-trained defect patterns designed to reduce deployment time when onboarding new fabric categories.

OSHIMA also uses a permission-based data sharing model, where participating manufacturers contribute anonymised defect data to improve the shared AI model while maintaining control over proprietary information. This approach reduces individual AI training costs and accelerates model improvement across the user base. The fabric recognition module is customisable by fabric type, and OSHIMA offers customised services for reports, models, and functionalities to match specific production requirements.

Does the EagleAi® AI fabric inspection machine work offline?
Yes. The EagleAi® fully supports offline operation. For manufacturers with strict network security requirements or operating in regions with limited internet connectivity, inspection continues without interruption or external data exposure. When connectivity is available, the system integrates with the cloud-based Smart Factory Platform for remote monitoring and centralised reporting. Standard safety features include emergency stop functions, safety sensors, automatic alarms, indicator lights, and fabric absence detection.

Where is the EagleAi® AI fabric inspection machine installed?
EagleAi® installations are currently operating in production environments primarily across APAC countries, including Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia.

OSHIMA reports that a global apparel manufacturer headquartered in Hong Kong, with over 30 years in the industry and production bases in China and Cambodia, has deployed the Smart Factory Platform on its SPro IoT spreading machines. According to OSHIMA, the deployment enables the manufacturer’s management team to monitor machine operating status in real time and access production reports at any time, supporting faster decision-making and strengthened production oversight.

This article provides a multifaceted explanation-from a basic overview of these technologies to the latest trends, actual product examples, and future prospects in the fashion industry. Let’s explore together how this promising field will bring changes to both the industry and our daily lives.

What Are Wearable Devices and Smart Wear?
Definition of Wearable Devices
Wearable devices are digital gadgets designed to be worn on the body. Popular examples include smartwatches and smart glasses, which collect and analyze real-time data from the wearer to provide information that enhances quality of life. The term “wearable” itself means “something you can wear,” distinguishing these devices from traditional portable gadgets-they’re meant to be worn continuously.

Their main uses cover health management (like monitoring heart rate and blood pressure), fitness tracking (such as counting steps and recording calories burned), and entertainment (including music streaming, VR gaming, movie watching, and syncing with live events). These devices are built on IoT (Internet of Things) technology* -a system where various devices connect and exchange data over the internet. By linking with other gadgets and cloud services, wearable devices offer even greater convenience.

Definition of Smart Wear
Smart wear combines “smart” (intelligent) and “wear” (clothing), referring to garments and accessories embedded with technologies like sensors and electronic circuits within the realm of wearable devices. By integrating digital functions into traditional clothing, smart wear goes beyond being just a fashion item. Many products feature capabilities such as temperature regulation based on external conditions and monitoring vital signs, representing a new category born from the fusion of fashion and technology.

For example, shirts made with durable conductive yarn enable real-time measurement of heart rate and breathing. Conductive yarn is a fiber that conducts electricity while maintaining flexibility and durability, making it ideal for embedding in clothing. Jackets that automatically adjust temperature according to ambient temperature and humidity are also gaining attention in the market.

Moreover, smart wear is evolving not only in sports and medical fields but also as luxury fashion and everyday apparel. In this way, smart wear continues to develop in diverse forms tailored to consumers’ lifestyles, creating new market value as “wearable” technology.

The Latest Trends in Wearable Devices and Smart Wear
Wearable devices and smart wear are rapidly evolving across the fields of health, environment, and luxury. Here, we’ll take a look at the latest developments in each of these categories.

Applications in the Health and Fitness Market
The health and fitness market is one of the areas where wearable devices and smart wear have become most widespread.

For Everyday Health Management
Smart wear designed for health management uses sensors to measure heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and more in real time. This is especially beneficial for people with chronic health issues and the elderly, as it allows them to constantly monitor their health status. Smart wear with blood sugar monitoring functions for diabetes patients and devices that record breathing patterns during sleep are opening up new possibilities in health management. These products have established themselves as essential tools for improving both health and quality of life.

For Enhancing Training Effectiveness in Sports
Smart wear designed for sports measures muscle movement, fatigue levels, and exercise volume in real time. This enables athletes to analyze physical load, condition, and their own performance, allowing for more efficient training. For example, smart leggings and shirts are equipped with built-in sensors that provide feedback based on posture and movement, helping users optimize their workouts.

For Health and Safety Protection in Construction and Worksites
“Safety and protective smart wear” developed for workers in construction sites and hazardous environments is gaining attention. These smart garments not only provide safety features such as shock absorption, burn prevention, and protection against chemicals but also contribute to workers’ health management. Equipped with sensors that monitor heart rate, body temperature, and sweat levels, they can detect risks like heatstroke and fatigue, issuing timely warnings. Additionally, some products support proper posture and reduce the impact of vibrations and noise, helping maintain long-term health.

As mentioned above, there are various applications even within the fields of health and fitness, but in order to wear the devices, equipment and clothing that fit the body well are indispensable.

Environmentally Friendly Smart Textiles
In today’s world, where environmental awareness is more important than ever, sustainable smart textiles are gaining attention. These products aim to reduce environmental impact by using recycled materials and maximizing energy efficiency.

Utilizing Materials That Reduce Carbon Emissions
Smart wear made from recycled polyester helps cut down carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. Plus, jackets equipped with solar power capabilities can generate electricity outdoors to charge electronic devices like smartphones. These kinds of products are steadily growing as next-generation fashion that blends technology with environmental awareness.

Using Temperature Regulation Features
Smart wear that adjusts the temperature inside the clothing based on the surrounding air temperature and humidity is also gaining attention. Some use special yarns, while others have built-in systems that automatically heat or cool in response to detected temperatures. By properly regulating body temperature, these garments can reduce the need for air conditioning and heating, lowering energy consumption and helping to lessen environmental impact.

Technologies That Extend Garment Lifespan
Technologies that extend the life cycle of clothing are also evolving. Textiles with self-healing properties and antibacterial materials that reduce the need for frequent washing are expected to further lessen environmental impact. This allows consumers to enjoy innovative fashion while taking responsibility for the environment.

Expansion into Luxury Fashion
Wearable devices and smart wear have also entered the luxury fashion market, creating a new segment that combines functionality with elegance. This evolution transforms the traditional concept of “dressing up,” introducing practical yet sophisticated fashion.

High-end brands are seeing growing popularity in smart accessories. For example, Louis Vuitton’s smartwatches blend refined design with cutting-edge technology, earning recognition not only as fashion items but also as practical devices. Additionally, Gucci has launched limited collections using eco-friendly smart materials, enhancing its brand image while attracting new customer segments.

Challenges of Wearable Devices and Smart Wear
Wearable devices and smart wear hold the potential to enhance corporate competitiveness, but their adoption and widespread use face several challenges. Key concerns include data privacy and security, high costs of technological development, and the gap between consumer expectations and actual functionality. Addressing these issues is essential for broader market penetration and sustainable growth. Below, we provide a detailed explanation of the main challenges.

Data Privacy and Security
Wearable devices and smart wear collect large amounts of personal data, so companies need to establish strict privacy policies and robust data management systems. Especially when handling sensitive information such as medical or health data, thoroughly eliminating risks of leaks and unauthorized use is a crucial factor in gaining trust.

High Costs of Technology Development
The demand for advanced sensors, batteries, and communication functions tends to drive up product development costs. This poses a significant challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises in securing development funds. Additionally, research and development expenses to maintain competitiveness, as well as maintenance costs aftermarket launch, are necessary. In highly competitive markets, it is essential to balance demonstrating technological excellence with controlling costs to price products appropriately.

Gap Between Consumer Expectations and Actual Functionality
Users demand both advanced functionality and appealing design, so companies must meet these requirements simultaneously. In particular, if sensors or batteries are conspicuous in smart wear designs, the fashion appeal may be compromised, potentially reducing consumers’ willingness to purchase. Additionally, some products face criticism for complex operation or excessive features that make daily use difficult. Companies need to accurately understand user needs and provide simple yet practical products.

Lack of Consumer Education for Widespread Adoption
Insufficient consumer education about the convenience and specific usage of smart wear can lead to lower product adoption rates. Therefore, it is necessary to develop marketing strategies and training programs that accurately convey the appeal of the products.

Specific Use Cases by Brands
Here, we will introduce concrete examples of wearable devices and successful cases of brands utilizing smart wear.

Wearable Devices
We will introduce specific wearable devices and their respective features.

Fitbit “Fitbit Charge Series”
Fitbit, a subsidiary of Google, is known as a pioneer in wearable devices. The Charge series is a multifunctional smart band equipped with features such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and activity measurement.

Oura Health “Oura Ring”
Developed by Finnish health technology company Oura Health, the Oura Ring is a compact smart ring that measures sleep quality and physical activity levels. It excels particularly in sleep tracking, providing detailed analysis of deep and light sleep phases.

Garmin “Forerunner”
Founded in the United States and now headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, Garmin is a manufacturer of GPS-related devices. The Forerunner is a GPS-enabled smartwatch specifically designed for runners. It offers a variety of features such as heart rate monitoring, VO2max estimation (maximum oxygen uptake), and training load analysis, all of which help improve athletic performance.

XREAL “XREAL Light”
XREAL, a Chinese startup specializing in augmented reality (AR) technology, develops and sells smart glasses. The XREAL Light is a lightweight and stylish AR smart glass featuring a high-resolution display that delivers a vivid visual experience. It can be connected to smartphones and supports various applications such as gaming and movie watching. With gesture controls and voice commands, it offers intuitive operation. This device is versatile, suitable for a wide range of uses from entertainment to business.

Successful Brand Cases Utilizing Smart Wearables
Here, we introduce specific smart wearable products, their features, and examples of brands that have achieved success by leveraging them.

Under Armour “UA Recover”
Under Armour, a sports equipment manufacturer headquartered in Maryland, USA, offers UA Recover, a recovery wear designed to reduce muscle fatigue and support recovery. The special fabric infused with minerals reflects the energy expended back to the muscles, helping to reduce the sensation of fatigue and accelerate recovery.

Sensoria “Sensoria Fitness”
Sensoria, headquartered in Washington State, USA, offers various smart wearables such as smart socks and sports bras. These products are equipped with built-in sensors that monitor data like running form and heart rate in real time, which can be analyzed through a dedicated app.

Hexoskin “Smart Shirts”
Hexoskin, founded in Montreal, Canada, provides wearable biosensors and data analytics platforms. They have developed smart shirts capable of long-term monitoring of electrocardiograms (ECG), breathing patterns, and activity levels. The data recorded by these shirts is used not only to enhance athletes’ performance but also increasingly applied in the medical field.

Future Prospects for the Fashion Industry
Smart Fashion Linked with IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to continue playing a crucial role in the evolution of smart wearables. IoT-enabled smart wearables can connect with other devices and systems, enabling more convenient and efficient lifestyles.

For example, an IoT-enabled jacket can automatically adjust indoor temperature by linking with a smart home system or allow users to check their schedules through voice assistants. Wearables equipped with GPS functions enhance safety during outdoor activities and enable real-time location sharing. Such products are especially beneficial for urban lifestyles, allowing users to quickly receive public transportation delay information or share their location with family members for prompt support in emergencies.

Furthermore, IoT technology is impacting the fashion industry’s sales processes. Sensors embedded in clothing can record wearing frequency and usage conditions, enabling product improvements and personalized recommendations based on data. In this way, the fusion of IoT and smart wearables is creating richer customer experiences and driving innovation toward the future of fashion.

Sustainability and the Development of Smart Materials
Amid growing concerns about environmental issues, the fashion industry is expected to continue advancing the development of smart materials with a focus on sustainability. This includes recyclable materials and manufacturing processes that utilize renewable energy.

Smart materials are gaining attention not only for their eco-friendliness but also for their ability to meet consumer needs. The combination of sustainability and smart materials represents a key factor shaping the future of the fashion industry.

Growing Demand for Customizable Products
As consumers seek products that reflect their individuality and lifestyles, the potential for customization in smart wearables has become increasingly important. Customizable smart wearables are attractive not only because of design options but also due to the ability to individually adjust functionality and data analysis.

For example, in sports-oriented smart wearables, monitoring functions and feedback can be personalized based on individual training goals and body data. Additionally, brands catering to fashion-conscious consumers are offering design options that allow selection of colors and materials.

Furthermore, services have emerged that propose optimally fitting products based on body measurements obtained through 3D scanning and motion data collected via artificial intelligence (AI) technologies during daily activities or sports. This evolution in customization not only strengthens trust between consumers and companies or brands but also contributes environmentally by enabling waste reduction through more efficient manufacturing processes. Customizable smart wearables are poised to offer a new generation of fashion experiences.

Wearable devices and smart wear have become the key to expanding possibilities for innovation in the fashion industry. These products contribute to health management and increased sustainability, leading to new business opportunities. For example, the introduction of smart wear aimed at enhancing employee safety and data-driven product development will provide many companies with a competitive advantage.

Moreover, through integration with IoT and AI, it has become possible to personalize products and perform real-time analysis of collected data, which is expected to function as new added value. On the other hand, addressing challenges such as data security and technology costs is an important theme that will affect future market growth.

The future of fashion is expected to be dominated by “smart” products that combine functionality with style, enriching and making people’s lives more comfortable. Paying attention to upcoming market trends and strategically considering how companies can utilize these technologies will be key to their success.

(Source: Shima Seiki)

At Texprocess in Frankfurt am Main (21–24 April 2026, Hall 8.0, Stand A18), the VEIT Group will present its latest solutions and product highlights for the industrial production of clothing and the processing of technical textiles. The focus is on efficient technologies for ironing, pressing, fusing, laminating and textile refinishing processes – ranging from classic applications in the clothing industry to technical textiles and the interior and automotive sectors.

Under the motto “Pressing for Excellence”, VEIT has spent the past two years working specifically on the further development of existing systems and on new solutions. Despite now having 70 years of company history, the firm is consistently increasing the pace of innovation in order to offer its customers tangible added value in the areas of automation and process control, even in a challenging economic environment. The trade fair motto “LOVEIT” stands for the combination of technical precision, energy efficiency and a consistent focus on user requirements.

The trade fair presentation will focus on solutions to key industry challenges:
• Reducing manual labour in the finishing, ironing and laminating processes
• Increasing productivity for small and medium quantities
• Further automation for high throughput (up to 5,000 items per hour)
• Ensuring consistently high processing quality
• Energy efficiency and sustainable production processes
• Flexible, scalable production solutions – from decentralised steam generation to wide fusing and laminating systems (45–180 cm working width)

Electric steam generator 2381: Flexible, decentralised steam generation up to 90 kW
Particular emphasis is placed on the expanded 2381 series for electric steam generation. VEIT is thus responding specifically to rising energy prices and the growing demand for flexible, sustainable supply concepts in production.

A high-performance variant is now available with:
• 90 kW connected load (400 V)
• Up to 117 kg of steam per hour

The series’ power range now extends from 2.2 kW to 90 kW, enabling a precisely tailored design for a wide variety of applications.

The modular expandability is particularly practical:
• Combination of up to 4 x 90 kW systems possible
• Adaptation to rising demand without fundamental system changes

This opens up new possibilities for decentralised steam generation, where steam is supplied directly to the relevant process. This reduces energy losses, increases operational reliability and allows for more flexible production structures. At the same time, installation is possible without major infrastructural changes.

Technical advantages and operational reliability
The 2381 series is consistently designed for reliable continuous operation:
• 50 L water volume and 25 L steam chamber for a stable supply
• Electronic water level control with dual protection against low water levels
• Generously dimensioned heating elements with low surface load for a long service life
• Integrated high-temperature feed water pump as standard

Simple integration and operation
• Integrated stainless steel feed water and blowdown tanks reduce installation effort
• Clearly structured controls facilitate commissioning and maintenance
• Blowdown process can be carried out safely from the front
• No acceptance testing required during commissioning

With this solution, VEIT offers an economical and future-proof alternative to traditional central boiler systems.

Fusing and Laminating Machines (FM / LM): New working widths of up to 1800 mm for maximum flexibility
The new generation of VEIT fusing and laminating machines has been specifically developed with a focus on energy efficiency, ergonomics and digital integration. With the new FM 18 and LM 18 models, VEIT is expanding its portfolio to include machines with a working width of up to 1800 mm.

In doing so, the company is responding to growing demands in the processing of roll goods – both in traditional garment production and in the technical textiles sector. The larger working width enables more efficient processing of wider materials and broadens the range of applications in industrial production environments.

At the same time, users benefit from the advancements in the current generation of machines:
• Optimised energy efficiency thanks to a revised insulation concept
• Improved ergonomics and accessibility for maintenance
• Enhanced control systems and interfaces for digital production processes

With a range of working widths from 45 cm to 180 cm, VEIT offers solutions for a wide variety of requirements – from smaller-scale applications in studios or research facilities right through to industrial series production.

WR 16 Winding and rewinding device: Efficient Material Handling
The WR 16 complements fusing and laminating systems with a flexible solution for continuous processes.
Features:
• Tension-free unwinding and rewinding
• Electrically controlled movements
• Automated process control
Additionally:
• Optical web edge detection
• Integrated cutting device
• Roll widths up to 1600 mm

Steambox SB 10: Targeted pre-shrinking for consistent material properties
With the Steambox SB 10, VEIT is expanding its portfolio to include a compact solution for the targeted pre-shrinking or shrinking of textiles and nonwovens.

The controlled and locally limited application of steam specifically reduces tension within the material. This ensures improved dimensional stability and prevents undesirable shrinkage behaviour in subsequent process steps.

The SB 10 is particularly suitable for applications where precise material properties along the edges are crucial – for example, in the further processing of technical textiles or sensitive materials.

Advantages at a glance:
• Targeted steam application for reproducible results
• Adjustable steam intensity to suit different materials
• Improved process reliability in downstream work steps
• Easy integration into existing continuous production lines

With its compact design, the SB 10 offers an efficient addition to production environments where material stability and process control play a central role.

Shirt Finisher SF 27: Energy-efficient shirt finishing with heat recovery
The Shirt Finisher SF 27 has been further developed in collaboration with fluid dynamics engineers and specialists in emissions optimisation. The focus was on improving the quality of the finish, as well as significantly optimising energy consumption and ergonomics.

The integrated heat recovery system utilises radiant energy and feeds it back into the process. This not only improves efficiency but also working conditions.

Performance data:
• Up to 80 shirts per hour
• Approx. 20 kg/h steam consumption

Since the last Texprocess, the system has been further optimised in collaboration with key customers. In particular, the amount of necessary post-processing (‘touch-up’) has been significantly reduced compared to standard market solutions.

CF 20 Compact Finisher: Automated finishing on a compact space
The CF 20 Compact Finisher is designed for businesses with limited space and medium production volumes. The cyclical, automated process ensures consistent operations and reliable results.

Advantages:
• Easy integration into existing production lines
• Time savings in the finishing process
• Reproducible quality regardless of the operator

PF 50 Pants Finisher: Precise trouser finishing with digital process control
The PF 50 combines modern control technology with Industry 4.0 connectivity. In addition to consistent finishing quality, the system also enables the continuous recording of relevant process data.

Key functions include:
• Stretch Control for adjusting waist size and leg length
• 2-dimensional waist tension for an extended size range
• Repeatable adjustment of waist tension

Universal Finisher UF 30: Versatility in a minimum space
The UF 30 enables the finishing of a wide variety of garments with short processing times starting from 10 seconds. It is now available in five modular versions: Classic, Universal, Kids, Blazer and Extended. This machine thus offers solutions for almost any top garment and saves up to 80% of the ironing that would otherwise be required without the UF 30.
• Flexible applications (modular, for 60–250 items per hour)
• Space requirement of only approx. 0.5 m²
• Ergonomic operation thanks to an adjustable chest

VEIT Varioset Ironing Station
The Varioset series offers powerful suction and blowing functions, combined with low noise levels and high reliability in continuous operation.

VEIT at Texprocess 2026
At the trade fair, VEIT will demonstrate how textile finishing processes can now be efficiently automated, flexibly scaled and made sustainable – from individual workstations right through to integrated production solutions.

In this article we share some thoughts about how the design software development supports different sectors of the industry.

The embroidery industry has various areas
Export and domestic embroidery
Thirty years ago, the industry was dominated by exporters who sold decorated garments to OECD countries. Domestic manufacturing was relatively small and traditional garments were mostly created by the cottage industry. Today, it is quite the opposite, domestic production dominates the industry while the export quantities of embroidered garment are relatively less significant. The industry is mostly focused on the domestic market, and this relates to embroidery machines imported with special functionalities. India is the largest importer of specialised embroidery machines and therefore use of specialised techniques is the highest here.

Logo embroidery and traditional fashion garments
In the OECD countries embroidery is focused on the Logo business, uniforms for military, police, security agencies, also corporate identification, schools, clubs, using embroidery on their uniforms. Another group is “corporate and fashion branding”, famous and popular brands of sportswear, leisurewear. Here “value addition” is the key profit factor, a plain, T-shirt will sell at a fraction of the price of a branded T-shirt that has a piece of embroidery that may cost less than a dollar to produce. Another very profitable niche market is the “haute couture”, where individual dresses are created by design houses. A growing area is the “traditional, folkloristic, tribal” dresses. Embroidery decoration has been created by hand for hundreds of years by the local cottage industries. With urbanisation and fastgrowing middle class, the cottage industry can no longer satisfy the demands, and the embroidery machine industry brought this area into mass production. The Indian seasonal traditions, like the “wedding season” create a predictable design and production cycle with demand for decorated dresses.

In India, being the most populous country in the world, the uniform sector has strong demand for logo embroidery, also, leisurewear is a fast-growing sector that requires simple embroidery machines but efficient design systems for high quality embroidery lettering and monograms as well as special effects used in artistic emblems.

Contract Designers vs in-house designing
Today there are millions small embroidery operators with a single machine and very little embroidery training. They mostly use contract designers; India has many of these companies. These design companies require high level design capabilities that can support any of the industry segments and design types efficiently.

Hobby users
A fast-growing area is the embroidery hobby market. Here efficiency is not critical but artistic expression is and simple easy operation that does not require a yearlong course to operate the software and the machine.

Embroidery Software developers like Wilcom, need to cater for demands from all parts of the world. For example, Wilcom has over three hundred thousand customers in 192 countries who continuously satisfy requests in every sector. One way of fulfilling the frequently raised demands is annual software releases.

In the last three years Wilcom released a major new version every year. The latest EmbroideryStudio 2026 shown at the GTE 2026 Delhi, includes several new features and improvements. Here we can talk about one feature that addresses an issue where embroidery and printing are quite different: color shading, i.e. how we can express a grading of colors with embroidery stitches? With the new Multi Blend feature a much more artistic shading can be producted. The designer can continuously change the stitch density in the individual objects. Visitors can see the latest features at the GTE.