Human-Tech Collaboration in Textiles

The integration of AI, robotics, and smart textiles with human creativity has the potential to address many of the challenges facing the industry today, writes Prof Dr Kislaya Choudhary

The textile industry has historically been one of the most resource-intensive sectors, contributing significantly to environmental degradation and social inequalities. However, the growing demand for sustainable practices has pushed the industry to explore innovative solutions that address both economic growth and ecological responsibility. Each industrial revolution has built upon the innovations and breakthroughs of its predecessors, driving humanity forward in its quest for progress. Looking to the future, the transition from Industry 4.0 to 5.0 promises to redefine the limits of what is possible and achievable through advanced technology and human creativity (Tex intel).

As the textile industry transitions into the next phase of industrial development, with a focus on human-tech collaboration, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, smart textiles, and digital manufacturing technologies enables the reduction of production steps, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the entire production system.

The textile industry, particularly in manufacturing hubs such as India, China, and Southeast Asia, faces unique challenges in balancing large-scale production with sustainable practices. The Textile Industry 5.0 new age revolution offers a paradigm shift by prioritising sustainability, ethical labor practices, and human creativity alongside technological advancements. This collaboration leverages the strengths of humans—creativity, empathy, and design thinking—while utilising technology for efficiency, precision, and scalability. The transformation calls for a shift in sustainable production processes, such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and the use of eco-friendly materials. Technological advancements such as AI-driven predictive analytics and automation enhance transparency in the supply chain. Human artisans and skilled workers, particularly in regions known for traditional textile craftsmanship like India, ensure the preservation of the industry’s rich cultural heritage.

Figure 1: Industry 5.0 represents major focus on the human centred sustainable approach to develop a resilient industrial landscape.

This paper explores the latest trends in the textile industry’s pursuit of sustainability through human-tech collaboration, emphasising the integration of technological innovations into manufacturing processes to tackle environmental and social issues. It emphasises the potential of these trends in developing a future sustainability-driven, equitable approach.

Background

Textile Industry 5.0 represents the integration of advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, and smart textiles with a human-centric approach (Rehman & Shehab, 2021). Industry 4.0 emphasised automation, digitalisation, and data-driven processes, but industry 5.0 focuses on collaboration between humans and machines. Industrial Revolution 5.0 aims to create a sustainable, resilient, and human-centered manufacturing industry that combines human and machine power, contributing to society while adhering to the planet’s limits. It focuses on societal value over economic value, with AI-powered robots and a shift to collaborative robots. This symbiotic relationship enhances human creativity while using technology for precision, efficiency, and sustainability (Fletcher & Grose, 2016). AI can process vast amounts of data to predict trends and optimise resource use, while humans contribute their aesthetic and cultural knowledge to textile production.

Principles of the industrial revolution (5.0)

Industry 5.0 is based on three principles—sustainability, human-centeredness, and resilience—that shape its structure and objectives.

Figure 2: The Industrial revolution timeline with core principles

Sustainability

The previous industrial revolutions primarily focused on technological advancements, digitisation, and scalability through mass production technologies. The researchers’ industrial reports represented data on the adverse effects of industrial processes on the environment. While business leaders arguably show their concern for the environment through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, it hasn’t had much impact. The fifth industrial revolution highlights the integration of sustainable business strategies not only into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) but also into mainstream business models. It advocates for a radical shift in the textile firms to incorporate sustainable strategies in tangible and intangible formats. The textiles industry must also prioritise the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 3 Ps (people, planet, and profit) as integral components of their business strategy. While there has been evidence of greenwashing or environmental minimisation in various industry initiatives in the past, it is believed that technology and human collaboration can introduce a fresh perspective on minimising environmental damage. However, a larger question remains: how does a sustainability strategy focus on enhancing a company’s positive impact and its genuine contribution to not only business development but also environmental safety? Instead of reducing the negative impact, companies should put efforts into improving the environment.

Resilience

The COVID-19 crisis affected the global supply chain, leading to supply shortages. Textiles and fashion saw a significant drop in demand, as well as a shift in consumer preferences. Post-Covid, the need for a robust and resilient supply chain became the center of discussions among industries. The Industrial Revolution 5.0 attempts to address the open-ended questions of uncertainty and readiness for future supply chains. It also concentrates on enhancing the resilience of existing supply chains to prepare them for unforeseen situations. The manufacturing industry needs to optimise its processes for resilience. The transformations in the new-age textile industry led to a more agile approach.

Human-Centric

The Industrial Revolution 5.0 demonstrates a shift in perspective from human resources to assets. A human-centric approach views establishments as helping individuals, rather than people serving organisations. A human-centric approach puts people at the centre of production processes and focuses on choosing technologies that work well with their needs. It will focus on empowering workers to contribute better in creative and vigilant ways, not replacing them with machines. Although robots can do repetitive tasks more efficiently and consistently than humans, they cannot intuitively address issues or solve problems like humans. Hence, the manufacturing industry is shifting to a hybrid approach of using machines and humans together.

Sustainability in textile manufacturing
Growing consumer awareness and environmental regulations have made sustainability a vital priority for the textile industry (Fletcher, 2014). The industry’s environmental impact includes high levels of water consumption, chemical usage, and waste generation. However, technological advancements are helping address these challenges. Digital printing technologies, for instance, reduce water and chemical consumption, while AI-driven systems can optimise resource use (Gwilt & Rissanen, 2011). The water treatment systems and strategically designed processes and systems reduce waste and reuse water and natural resources to contribute to a sustainable future

AI and robotics are playing a significant role in sustainable textile production. 
AI and robotics are revolutionising textile manufacturing by improving efficiency and reducing waste. AI algorithms can predict fabric behavior, analyse trends, and optimise production schedules, reducing overproduction and waste (Bhardwaj & Rathi, 2020). Similarly, robotic automation can handle repetitive tasks, leaving humans to focus on creative design and ethical decision-making. This shift also enables the integration of smart textiles, which offer added functionalities such as temperature regulation and health monitoring (Sullivan et al., 2019). On the one hand, as we implement these technologies simultaneously, experts in the circular economy are working on how smart textiles and tech-oriented product lifecycles can ensure sustainable usage and circularity.

The circular economy and textile waste management 
The concept of the circular economy has gained traction in the textile industry, encouraging companies to design products for reuse, recycling, or biodegradability. Companies are using technology to track the lifecycle of textiles, ensuring transparency in the supply chain and promoting circular practices (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2020). Additionally, recycling innovations, such as chemical recycling of fibers, are reducing the industry’s reliance on virgin resources and lowering its carbon footprint (Allwood et al., 2020).

Inclusivity and ethical labor practices 
Textile Industry 5.0 also emphasises worker inclusivity, especially in labor-intensive regions like India. Cobots (collaborative robots) enable workers to collaborate with machines, enhancing their productivity without replacing their roles (Rehman & Shehab, 2021). By emphasising ethical labor practices, technology not only empowers human workers but also addresses the social inequalities that have historically plagued the textile industry (Gwilt & Rissanen, 2011).

Methodology

This research paper employs a qualitative approach to investigate new trends in sustainability and human-tech collaboration in the textile industry. The study includes a review of peer-reviewed journals, industry reports, and case studies from global textile manufacturers. We analyse the data to identify key trends and patterns in the integration of technology for sustainability. The researcher has explored and included online reports and articles from initiatives taken by the Indian textiles industries and brands to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities of adopting the new trends and practices.

Discussion and analysis

The research shows that human-tech collaboration in Textile Industry 5.0 has significant potential to drive sustainability. AI applications are already proving effective in reducing waste and optimising resource use. For example, AI-driven predictive analytics allow manufacturers to accurately forecast demand, minimising overproduction and reducing unsold inventory, which often ends up as waste (Bhardwaj & Rathi, 2020). Furthermore, the integration of robotics and automation with human creativity not only enhances production efficiency but also preserves the cultural and aesthetic value of textiles (Sullivan et al., 2019).

The use of sustainable materials is another key trend. Eco-friendly fibers, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, are becoming more common as companies prioritise environmentally friendly practices (Gwilt & Rissanen, 2011). Furthermore, blockchain technology is enhancing transparency in the supply chain, enabling brands to verify the ethical and sustainable origins of their materials (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2020).

Textile companies are investing in recycling facilities and exploring upcycling techniques to give discarded garments a new life. There are ongoing efforts to establish closed-loop systems that convert textile waste into new products, thereby reducing waste and resource consumption. Welspun India, a leading home textile manufacturer, has implemented a textile waste recycling program to recover valuable fibers. Indian textile manufacturers are adopting innovative dyeing techniques that reduce water consumption and minimise chemical pollution. Raymond, a renowned textile company, has invested in advanced dyeing technologies to reduce water usage and chemical waste. Companies are using AI algorithms to analyse consumer preferences and market trends, enabling the creation of customised designs that minimise waste and improve product relevance. For example, Arvind Lifestyle Brands uses AI to predict fabric trends and optimise production planning. AI-driven systems optimise production processes by predicting equipment failures, optimising energy consumption, and improving quality control. Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail has implemented AI-powered quality inspection systems to reduce defects and improve efficiency.

In India, it is crucial to incorporate traditional artisans into the Industry 5.0 framework. The country’s handloom textiles and craftsmanship can benefit from technological integration that preserves these skills while improving production efficiency and market access. Digital platforms can connect artisans with global markets, ensuring their continued relevance in a technology-driven industry (Fletcher & Grose, 2016).

Conclusion

Textile Industry 5.0 presents an opportunity for the textile sector to transition toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. Human-tech collaboration enables the industry to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and promote ethical labour practices. The integration of AI, robotics, and smart textiles with human creativity has the potential to address many of the challenges facing the industry today. However, the success of this transition depends on the industry’s ability to balance technological innovation with social responsibility, particularly in labour-intensive regions like India.

The collaboration between humans and technology is reshaping the textile industry. By leveraging data-driven insights and embracing innovative technologies, manufacturers can enhance efficiency, improve product quality, and create a more sustainable future. As the industry continues to evolve, the synergy between human expertise and technological advancements will be essential for driving growth and success.

References

• Allwood, J., Laursen, S., de Rodríguez, C. M., & Bocken, N. (2020). Well Dressed? The Present and Future Sustainability of Clothing and Textiles in the United Kingdom. University of Cambridge.
• Bhardwaj, V., & Rathi, A. (2020). Application of Artificial Intelligence in Textile Engineering. Journal of Textiles and Polymers, 3(2), 123-135.
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020). The Circular Economy in Fashion.
• Fletcher, K. (2014). Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys. Earthscan.
• Fletcher, K., & Grose, L. (2016). Fashion & Sustainability: Design for Change. Laurence King.
• Gwilt, A., & Rissanen, T. (2011). Shaping Sustainable Fashion: Changing the Way We Make and Use Clothes. Earthscan.
• Rehman, I., & Shehab, E. (2021). Textile Industry 5.0: Human-Centric Automation and Sustainable Innovation. Journal of Textile Engineering & Fashion Technology, 3(2), 55-72.
• Sullivan, C., Simmons, R., & Myers, L. (2019). Digital Fabrication in Textiles: A Review of 3D Printing and Other Technologies. Textile Research Journal, 89(8), 1543-1560.n a Global Context. Journal of Business Ethics, 3(140).
• Figure 1 is inspired by the model represented by: https://radixweb.com/blog/industry-5-0-shaping-future-of-manufacturing-industry
• Figure 2 is inspired by the model represented by https://www.texintel.com/blog/navigating-the-shift-industry-50-and-the-fashion-industrys-renaissance-guest-article-by-lui-iocheski

About the author:

Prof Dr Kislaya Choudhary is a professor and the Chairperson for Department of Textile Design, NIFT Mumbai. She is a PhD in Design and specialises in Textile Design and Creative Design Process. Her areas of exploration are; conventional and digitally printed textiles, computer aided design, interdisciplinary design research, contemporary craft practices & hybrid craft, visual research & design influence. She aspires to reinstate, moderate and innovate creative practices for endorsing a meaningful change.