4.0/5.0 Technologies Used in the Fashion Industry

Figure: 1. 3D Printing Machine. Credit: West Side Clothing Company.

Industrial technologies 4.0 as well as 5.0 are used to achieve a certain task or end result in the fashion industry. Here, 4.0 determines the combination of automation and manufacturing in the industry. However, 5.0 tech is one step ahead where humans and machinery collaborate together.

Exploring the depths of Industry 5.0, the founder of this term, Michael Rada states that, INDUSTRY 5.0 is utilization of existing resources in the most sustainable way to prevent 4 kinds of waste i.e, physical, social, urban and process waste.

3D Printing is one of the most significant developments in the 4.0 Industrial revolution because, with this technology, we are able to manufacture, test and prototype a lot of fashion products in a short span of time. In a broader sense, this kind of technology is called Additive Manufacturing and is also used in other fields like medical, automobile industry, etc.

Synthetic Biology [Industry 4.0]

Figure: 2. Illustration of Utilizing Synthetic Bio Technology. Credit: Richard A. Musket, The Scientist.

Synthetic biology, one of the most curious and interesting inventions of Industry 4.0 has the ability to personalize and reprogram living organisms. In apparel, SynBio is used for repairing cotton clothing at a molecular level, custom dyeing textiles and bind viruses in protective wearables such as masks, medical gowns, etc.

Digitization [Industry 4.0]

Figure: 3. Virtual Fashion Show. Credit: Stephane Feugere/WWD.

Digitization is used by fashion brands to improve their business and sales by using digital platforms to manage sales, marketing, advertising, promotions (fashion shows) and purchases. Digitization has helped these companies to source new ways for managing supply chains and delivery systems.

Internet of Things [Industry 5.0]

Figure: 4. Software used to measure body sizes. Credit: Texel.

Basically, this technology is used to define something that is entirely surrounded and connected via the internet and involves subjects that talk to each other to transport information. In the fashion industry, IOT has been recently used to replace ready to wear with tailor made garments on the spot in retail stores by collecting the information about a customer’s body measurements, preferences,etc.

Artificial intelligence [Industry 4.0/5.0]

Now, with AI it is possible to create, turn simple sketches into mockups, get access to AI models for AI generated photoshoots, enhance your designs and create personalized garments for maximum customer satisfaction. There is a Fashion Week called AI fashion Week launched in New York (2023) that combines in-person and virtual experiences.

Figure: 5. Usage of AI for personalized garment making. Credit: International College Fashion.

Inferences and Conclusions

On the basis of collected information, it is evident to state that the fashion industry is undergoing a drastic change. The development of technologies in this recent era clearly defines that there would be less pollution and less textile waste in future. The smart technology will also save time, money and investment in managing big inventories. Moreover, supply chains are going to improve frequently and there will be more exchange of fashion articles around the world but with significantly less waste and clutter.

Smart decisions and AI generated tailor-fit articles might eliminate the huge prevailing business of ready to wear as people will prefer to wear special altered clothes to embrace their personal style in future. Collaboration of clothes with in-built healthcare equipment will soon become common to track heart rates and steps throughout the day for patients and young athletes. Beyond doubt, there is a huge potential in Industry 4.0 and 5.0 in helping the fashion industry to take a new leap in the modern world for solving real-time consumer problems and satiating personal needs.

I will see you in the next one!

Until then, keep embracing slow and sustainable fashion! ♡

References

AI fashion design: What can it do for your business?. Unlimited Graphic Design Service. (2023, August 8).

Audaces. (2022, June 22). Industry 4.0: Everything you need to know about the future of apparel. Industry 4.0: Everything you need to know about the future of apparel.

Rada, M. (2022, May 18). Industry 5.0 and its application in textile and Fashion Industry. Textile Learner.

Jain S.A. (2021, August 23). Impact of internet of things (IOT) in Fashion Industry. Textile Learner.

Laura. (2021, October 4). The Ultimate Guide to Fashion Digital Transformation. Intelistyle.

New High Performance Textiles using Synthetic Biology. TextileR: Future Textile Industries. (2023, November 7).

The path from industry 4.0 to industry 5.0. Industry 5.0 vs Industry 4.0: What are the differences? (n.d.).