Industry 4.0

Smart self-organizing functional units are the technological backbone of the textile Industry 4.0. Therefore, adaptive and self-adjusting processes are implemented and advanced at the DITF institutes, at all technological levels.

The basis for this are digital engineering, modeling, and virtualization. The DITF institutes develop the technologies for this and contribute to their standardization.

Connected, smart, sustainable: the process chains end in a production process that is penetrated by the digital technologies. In general, Industry 4.0 is characterized by highly connected communication and operational structures. At the DITF institutes, we collaborate with other industries to create innovations and add value, developing the platforms and business models that are required for this.

In order to consequently realize Industry 4.0, we require learning and supporting technologies that are developed at DITF and will contribute to a smart textile value chain.

Current Topics and Projects

    • MF lab with VR hardware and meeting area
    Microfactory Lab at the DITF

    Flexible and sustainable production processes of a textile factory of the future: In the digital multifunctional lab, research is conducted on sustainability, digitalization and individualization of customer solutions on 160m².
    Further information

    Data-supported efficiency increase in the development of textile products using the example of tufting

    The development of new tufting products is associated with high material, time and personnel costs. The DITF are developing resource-efficient solutions with the help of Experimental Digital Twins.

    More about the project

    • 3D model visualized in the Addknit software
    3D knitting as an additive manufacturing process for the textile industry

    Project AddKnit explored 3D flat knitting as a resource-saving technology. The entire production chain has been considered.

    Information about the project

    Interactive White Paper on Textile Microfactory und Distributed Production

    The DITF white paper highlights the possible effects of a transformation process from centralized mass production for textiles and clothing to a microfactory model for the textile chain that can be implemented in Europe.

    Download and more information