In a move to uplift textile innovation and design, the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) recently engaged with the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab) in Hong Kong to to strengthen partnerships and explore new opportunities in textile innovation and design.

The Institute was warmly welcomed by Barry Tai, Senior Manager for Business Development at AiDLab, who led the presentation of their latest technologies. AiDLab, created through a partnership between The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Royal College of Art in the United Kingdom, is Hong Kong’s first research center focused on combining artificial intelligence (AI) and design innovation.

During the visit, AiDLab highlighted two major research programs: ergonomic and inclusive design, and intelligent fashion design and quality control. Among the technologies demonstrated were AiDA, an AI-powered design assistant that blends machine learning, human creativity, and fashion expertise to improve design, production, and quality assurance; and "wiseeye," an AI tool that helps ensure better accuracy in inspecting textile materials.

DOST-PTRI, in turn, shared updates of its Textile Product Development Programs and Textile Academy, and found many areas where they could work together with AiDLab. In particular, DOST-PTRI expressed strong interest in using AiDA and ergonomic design technologies to strengthen its own research and textile innovation efforts.

This mission marks an important step for DOST-PTRI in building international partnerships that aim to bring world-class innovation to the Philippine textile and fashion industry, improve quality standards, and prepare the sector for the future.