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I needed to write this blog post about AI in the textile industry, since it’s the subject of our features this month, but I’m a complete neophyte, plain and simple. I know some basics about this topic, but little else, so I did the logical thing and asked Chat GPT a few questions about the textile industry and AI. (Funny thing. I knew more about some of what I asked than Chat GPT was telling me. That felt somewhat affirming.) However, Chat GPT did a good job of summarizing and lining up statistics – in blazing fast time, of course – and aggregating information in a way that was clear and actually answered the questions I asked. So, it was helpful, yes.
It said, “As of 2025, a significant portion of textile manufacturers are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations.” Sufficiently vague for an intro. It adds, “AI in the textile market is projected to reach approximately $21.4 billion by 2033.” Impressive, right?
But this is the one that got my attention: “Over 50 percent of textile manufacturers are anticipated to adopt AI for forecasting by 2025.” Also interesting: “Over 80 percent of textile manufacturers plan to adopt AI for inventory management by 2024,” and, “Approximately 60 percent of textile manufacturers believe that AI can enhance product quality.”
You get the idea. I can also hear the chorus of “buts” and “ifs,” but that’s fine. Our feature, “Making the best use of AI,” by Infopine’s Todd Morgan breaks it down in a way that’s straightforward and easy to digest. If you’re relatively new to AI, you’ll appreciate this about the information he includes. Even if you’re currently using AI successfully, you’ll probably find affirmation in his article, because I’m guessing you’re onboard with at least some of the seven major points he makes about successfully incorporating AI into your operation.
This statement, in particular, should be considered by those who are skeptical about pairing AI with human expertise. “AI doesn’t eliminate intuition; it enhances it, and when your team trusts the system, that’s when real improvement starts,” Morgan said.
But I have follow-up questions. What happens if you choose not to use AI at all? Will you be able to keep pace with the competition? For how long? Do you have the kind of business model that doesn’t require AI’s services in the same way as, say, a much larger operation? At what point do you reassess, if ever?
These are for another blog post – after I ask Chat GPT.
Janet Preus is senior editor of Textile Technology Source. She can be reached at janet.preus@textiles.org.