Pakistani engineer develops AI system to revolutionise textile industry

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KARACHI:

A graduate of NED University in Karachi has developed an artificial intelligence-driven system poised to solve one of the biggest challenges in the country’s textile industry—detecting fabric defects before production.

The innovation, called IntelliInspect, enables real-time identification of fabric quality issues, potentially saving millions annually by reducing wastage. The system promises to minimise the risk of rejected consignments in export markets due to faulty textiles, a recurring issue in Pakistan’s largest export industry.

“I believe this is the world’s first analytical system of its kind. With proper support, IntelliInspect could prove to be a milestone in improving the quality of Pakistan’s textile sector,” said Suboohi Arif, the system’s creator and a graduate specialising in automation and application engineering.

The AI-driven technology can detect various defects in knitted and woven fabrics, such as broken threads, stains, tears, and holes. Unlike traditional inspections, IntelliInspect analyses unprocessed (grey) as well as dyed and printed fabrics in real time.

Suboohi said tests on over 3,000 samples of both knitted and woven fabrics showed the system’s accuracy was above 95% and 90%, respectively. Detection time ranged from as little as 40 seconds to a maximum of 77 seconds.

The system uses high-speed sensors and cameras installed on textile manufacturing lines. It quickly identifies defects during the production process, reducing costs incurred at later stages.

“This enables manufacturers to avoid making products from faulty fabric and improves profitability by cutting down production losses,” she said.

The system can be applied across several textile segments, including garment production, automotive textiles, home furnishings, and industrial textiles. IntelliInspect improves efficiency, accuracy, and continuity in production while also reducing operational costs.

Suboohi is keen to collaborate with industry stakeholders to integrate the system at manufacturing facilities, helping enhance the quality of export products while maximising profits for businesses.

“This technology not only brings down costs but also opens avenues for data-driven analytics, enhancing decision-making in the industry,” she added.

Pakistan’s textile sector, accounting for over half of the country’s exports, has long struggled with quality control issues. If implemented on a large scale, IntelliInspect could mark a significant transformation for the industry, boosting its global competitiveness.