Repairing clothes has always been a time-consuming craft process. But now the company RecoMended, a member of a Swedish Textile Producers Association, has developed a solution that could change the entire view of repairs. The company has invented an AI that automatically repairs clothes on a regular embroidery machine.
How the innovation works
AI makes it possible for anyone to repair clothes, even without previous experience with a sewing machine. An operator marks the hole or defect via a tablet, which is connected to a camera that analyzes the damage. The AI then generates a repair pattern that the machine performs with precision and consistent quality.
“We wanted to develop a solution that makes it as easy to repair as it is to buy new. When technology takes care of the difficult, more people can participate and help extend the life of clothes”, says Erik Lindtorp, Chief Visionary Officer at RecoMended.
Large volumes and consistent quality
The automated embroidery machine is not only a help for individual users. It is also designed to handle large volumes. RecoMended works with B2B solutions and helps companies create second-hand collections. To make it easier to sort and grade garments, they have also developed a grading system that classifies clothes as new, near new, good quality or used.
The systematic approach means that the quality is always consistent, which is crucial for larger players to dare to invest in circular solutions.
Support for innovation
RecoMended’s technology started with support from the CircularHub project and innovation technicians at Science Park Borås. These collaborations have contributed to the company being able to put its ideas into practice and create a solution that is now attracting attention far beyond Sweden’s borders.
“Having received help from the innovation system in the Västra Götaland region has been important for us to be able to take the step from idea to reality. It shows how important collaborations between companies and innovation environments such as the DoTank Center in Borås are,” says Erik Lindtorp.
Collaborations and international interest
RecoMended has already started partnerships with players such as Lyreco in workwear and smaller tailors for the mending machine. The interest also extends far beyond Sweden and has already aroused curiosity in countries such as Sri Lanka and Japan.
“We have put the expertise in machines and processes. In this way, we can enable a larger flora of labor in life-extending activities on textiles,” explains Erik Lindtorp.
Sustainability in practice
According to some calculations, it is up to 70 times more sustainable to mend a garment than to produce a new one. RecoMended therefore wants to show that repair is not only an environmentally friendly act but also a business opportunity for companies that want to work circularly.
“We believe in a future where mending becomes as obvious as washing. With our technology, it can be possible,” says Erik Lindtorp.
A new era for the textile industry
With innovation, systematicity and a clear focus on sustainability, RecoMended is taking clothing mending into the future. From advanced AI solutions to smart grading systems, they show that the textile industry is facing a new era, where longevity, quality and circularity are at the center.
Contact:
RecoMended
Erik Lindtorp, Chief Visionary Officer
Contact form: textilproduenterna.se
