Global initiatives for industry 4.0 implementation and progress within the textile and apparel manufacturing sector: a comprehensive review
Upama Nasrin Haq, Md. Mashiur Rahman Khan, Adnan Maroof Khan, Md. Hasanuzzaman, Md. Riaz Hossain
Abstract
A comprehensive picture on global initiatives to Industry 4.0 (I4.0), technological evolution within fibre-to-apparel manufacturing and its progression so far are reported here. Germany is the global progression leader while other developed countries; France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and even the UK and USA have generic initiatives for upgraded manufacturing. Their initiatives are I4.0 strategies, funding, platforms, and model projects. Developing countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brazil, Turkey, Vietnam, India, etc. have also taken I4.0 national initiatives. However, the apparel and textile manufacturing industry lags far behind other sectors, although applying I4.0 technologies in this sector has started. CPS, IOT, Cloud computing, Automatic bobbin changing, RFID, Blockchain, augmented reality, and digital twins, are found in the textile production and fashion retailing. Moreover, advanced machineries offer incorporated automation, remote maintenance and operability, cloud systems, self-optimization, and predictive maintenance facilities. The review identifies that technological gaps between concept and reality hinder commercial application. The readiness evaluation is predominantly grounded in academic literature, which requires field investigation from the start to the end of textile processing. Hence, case studies for empirical data, sustainability mapping for the upgraded technologies and integrated policy development are the future direction in this domain.