The garment making industry is labor intensive and associated with low productivity.

Things are set to change. Recently there has been much publicity about sewbots, considered as a major breakthrough in garment automation. Manufacturers fast enough to ride the digital wave will find new opportunities and gain an edge over their competitors.

Automation, especially in an integrated textile and garment manufacturing chain, will help address the fashion and clothing industry’s current concerns of short production cycles and sustainable business practices.

With greater automation on the cards, industry players are seeing the resurgence of garment manufacturing activities in Europe and other developed economies.

By incorporating technological and creative innovation to differentiate their products, manufacturers can expand their markets. As such, it is critical for them to continually evaluate and invest in new technologies.

Companies are starting to play around with the concept of connected garments. The smart clothes they are working on may be the future of wearable tech. Much more than strapping gadgets to our wrists, faces, ears and feet, smart clothing can constantly track our heart rate, monitor our emotions and even pay for our coffee. All without grabbing a phone or even tapping a screen.

ITMA, June 20 to 26, 2019, Spain, will spotlight smart garment technologies.