Weaving the Future: Advancing Functional Textiles with Innovative Technologies [Mandarin audio]

面对全球变暖，不靠空调也能清凉过夏？HKRITA高级工程师黎子滔先生在中国国际纺织面料及辅料博览会2026演讲现场分享了被动冷却面料的最新技术突破，拆解了这种无源散热技术的原理。一起来听听智能纺织材料如何为人体和地球「降温」！

Prof. LIU Cheng, Assistant Professor in the Department of Systems Engineering at City University of Hong Kong, introduces an Embodied Intelligence Framework for smart manufacturing, targeting the manipulation of deformable fabrics. To address the physical limitations of conventional AI, the system integrates physics-informed validation with Vision-Language Models to ensure robotic actions are safe and feasible. Combining a human-centric design with adaptive control, the framework has been validated across multiple fabric types. This research effectively bridges the gap between AI planning and reliable execution in industrial automation.

Mr. Raymond Chiu, Senior Research Manager at The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, highlights Hong Kong Miton's government-funded AI and computer vision recycling tech co-developed with PolyU to advance textile sustainability. Focusing on post-consumer garment upcycling, the system employs pixel-level fiber analysis and infrared detection to split cotton-polyester blends, plus UV scanning to spot defects and assess garment resale value. This tech-driven system adjusts fiber opening parameters intelligently to raise qualified recycled cotton yield, enabling a profitable circular economy with retail mall collection stations. It demonstrates how AI-powered sorting transforms textile waste into high-value yarn, fostering a financially viable sustainable future for Hong Kong's textile industry.

Mr. Alfie Chen, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director of Style3D, introduces an Embodied Intelligence Framework for smart manufacturing with aerospace background, targeting deformable fabric pick-and-place manipulation. Distinct from rigid pre-programmed robots, the framework addresses the physical blind spot of general large language models by integrating depth camera perception, open-source LLMs, FEA-based agent physics validation, and special nozzle actuators. Adopting a human-centric human-in-the-loop design that reserves human judgment for complex quality decisions, the system has been validated on 14 fabric varieties. This research effectively bridges the gap between AI natural language planning and physically reliable robotic execution in garment automation.

Prof. Ray Wai Man Kong, Registered Engineer and Adjunct Professor at City University of Hong Kong, demonstrates AI and Smart Manufacturing in the garment industry, covering the full pipeline from AI-generated fashion design to automated production. Key highlights include automatic cutters, garment hanging systems, and intelligent sewing machines. The system leverages computer vision and cloud-based analytics to standardize workflows and boost efficiency. Ultimately, it illustrates the transition toward "Garment Industry 4.0"—achieving cost reduction, quality standardization, and end-to-end digital management through AI, IoT, and automation integration. 

Topic: Towards a Cleaner Future: Circular Recycling and Microplastic Removal in TextilesRyan Wong, Business Development Manager from HKRITA addresses the urgent global crisis of textile waste, noting that 3 tons are discarded every second. He positions this crisis as an opportunity for innovation and economic growth. Ryan outlines the institute's mission to advance R&D and technology transfer, focusing on five key research pillars. He delves into three specific technologies: hydrothermal separation (The Green Machine) to recycle polyester-cotton blends; a solvent-based system to recover nylon from nylon-spandex blends; and an acoustic wave filtration system to remove microplastics from wastewater. He concludes by discussing the institute’s capabilities, its strong research team, and its commitment to scaling these technologies for commercial and industrial use.

Topic: Fashioning a Circular Textile Economy Through Industry CollaborationThis panel discussion explored the rapidly changing landscape of sustainability in the global fashion and textile industry. Key themes included the increasing influence of regulatory frameworks, the critical role of material innovation, and the urgent need for enhanced collaboration across the entire supply chain. Panelists shared insights on how legislation is driving action, the importance of transparency and traceability, and the necessity of scalable, economically viable solutions. They also highlighted the existing gaps between academic research and industrial application, advocating for stronger partnerships between research institutions, governments, and industry stakeholders to achieve a truly sustainable future.Moderator: Dan Connolly from UKFTGuest Speakers:Katherine Chan from HKRITAProf. Rajkishore Nayak from RMIT University VietnamThu Le from XAVANKiki Chen from Covation Biomaterials LLC

In this engaging panel discussion, we bring together leading experts in the textile industry: Ms. Zoe Zhang from HKRITA, Prof. Yu Xiaokun from Donghua University, Mr. Andrew Chan from Lenzing, and Mr. Barty Wei from Highsun Holding Group Co., Ltd. Listen to our panelists' sharing on how innovative technology is shaping the development of functional textile materials, the commercialisation of these innovations, and insights into the progress of functional textiles. Tune in to gain a concise yet comprehensive overview of the future of functional textiles and the technology driving this evolution!

In this insightful episode, Zoe Zhang, Engineer of HKRITA, takes us on a deep dive into the world of electrospinning technology and its impact on the textile industry: the fundamentals of nanomaterials, their transformative applications within the textile sector, as well as HKRITA's breakthrough in developing nanofibres using electrospinning technology. A must-listen for anyone eager to understand the future prospects and the ongoing challenges in integrating electrospinning technology into the textile industry.

Delve into the cutting-edge world of AI-powered textile recycling with Derek Lai, Senior Engineer at HKRITA. Discover how HKRITA is leading the charge in sustainable fashion through innovative research and development in garment recycling. Derek introduces the principles and goals of HKRITA, emphasizing their commitment to reducing textile waste. He elaborates on their groundbreaking Smart Garment Sorting Recycling System, which leverages AI to enhance sorting precision and efficiency, ensuring maximum resource recovery. Tune in to learn how this pioneering approach plays a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future for the textile industry.