The CCG/ZGDV Institute is part of the TEXP@CT Mobilising Agenda - Innovation Pact for the Digital Transition of the Textile and Clothing Sector (STV), whose mission is to drive the digital transformation of the textile and clothing sector in Portugal. The central aim is to encourage the adoption of innovative digital technologies and solutions that help make the industry more advanced, competitive, resilient and sustainable. In this context, the CCG/ZGDV participates in nine PPS, leading three of them, in which it applies various digital technologies, including advanced robotics, digital twins, industrial traceability, artificial intelligence, computer vision, augmented reality, data sharing and product lifecycle management.
Augmented Reality in the evolution of quality control
The development cycle of a textile and/or clothing product involves several iterations with many of the players in the value chain. A PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system adapted to Industry 4.0 must be able to manage physical and digital representations of products throughout the production process.
CCG/ZGDV is developing an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) solution to support quality control. This PLM module includes AR functionalities such as: consulting product data sheets, assisting in quality control procedures with informative interfaces, assisted measurements, collaborative video conferences and data recording (in audio, image and text formats), through interconnections with the PLM software of the partners involved.
Innovation in industrial traceability
The traceability of raw materials and finished products is essential for the textile industry. Currently, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) is one of the most widely used technologies, but it has some limitations, such as the high cost of installation and vulnerabilities in certain industrial processes.
In order to increase the competitiveness of VTS, it is essential to be able to rely on tracking systems that replace and/or complement existing ones. To this end, the CCG/ZGDV is developing and testing two alternative tracking solutions: one based on radio technology and the other on optical technology. The prototype based on radio technology uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmitters and receivers to obtain the ‘strength’ of the various signals at each moment and estimate the position of the object to be tracked, applying mathematical algorithms. On the other hand, the prototype based on optical technology uses visual markers, which can be printed on various materials, and processing units with cameras that detect these markers and their position in the image, which allows mathematical algorithms to estimate the object's position.
Intelligent optimisation for production planning
Optimised production plans have a major impact on the competitiveness of STV. The production planning process consists of allocating each manufacturing operation to a machine, respecting its dependencies and constraints, in order to meet the deadlines set and maximise the use of resources. However, this allocation is not trivial. Currently, companies use the knowledge of business experts (with years of experience) together with static rules to define planning. This process is costly, in many cases manual, and has a huge impact on companies' efficiency.
In this context, CCG/ZGDV is developing an ‘Intelligent System’ that automates the planning process, aiding decision-making by recommending production plans. To this end, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are being used, in particular Intelligent Optimisation, which automatically allocates the different operations, respecting the various dependencies, to minimise production time and maximise resource efficiency. In addition, the system was designed to be generic and flexible enough to deal with the different dynamics of each company. By using it, companies in the sector will be able to advance their digitalisation, automate processes, increase internal efficiency and become more sustainable.
Better shopping experience with virtual fitting room and AI
With the aim of guaranteeing a better shopping experience, a direct-to-consumer platform for e-commerce is being developed, based on the cloud, with support for advanced shopping experiences and adapted to STV companies, targeting their consumers and end customers (B2B and B2C).
CCG/ZGDV's contribution relates to the development of technologically disruptive solutions, providing a virtual fitting room for garments. With customisable avatars in terms of appearance, movement and fitting, allowing the user to visualise the fit of the garment on their digital physiognomy, this solution also includes a fabric simulator, with digital representation and simulation of its physical behaviour. At the same time, an intelligent recommendation engine is being developed, based on AI and image analysis, which suggests products in a personalised way. User experience (UX) is also an integral component and cross-cutting priority of this PPS, taking over the process of designing and validating solutions with a view to a better interaction experience and end-user satisfaction.
The results of this project will empower SMEs in the sector with new forms of cross-selling and digital interaction with their customers, strengthening their brand, online presence and loyalty.
