Strong start for the new research environment TexAI

TexAI is a joint initiative in which businesses in the Borås region, TEKO, the Knowledge Foundation, and the University of Borås collaborate on research for the textile industry. The research profile brings together expertise in textile engineering, textile and fashion design, textile management, business-oriented IT solutions, and AI.

Research across the textile value chain

TexAI focuses on AI-based solutions in areas such as textile recycling, production optimisation, sustainable design, and data-driven decision support. The research spans materials and production, as well as design, business models, and circular flows.

The four doctoral students are Aqsa Hameed, Andrea Rehbein Gonzalez, Codi Körner, and Emelie Palmquist. Their research projects will explore AI and digitalisation from different parts of the textile value chain.

First doctoral student in information systems

Aqsa Hameed is a Doctoral Student at the Department of Information Technology and the first doctoral student to be admitted to the University of Borås’s new doctoral education in information systems.

Her project concerns how textile companies can develop and use AI solutions in a structured, reliable, and responsible way. Among other things, she will investigate the challenges companies face when an AI idea or prototype is to become part of their day-to-day operations.

“I will study how textile companies manage the different stages of AI development and the difficulties they experience. The aim is to help promising AI ideas develop into useful and sustainable applications for the textile industry,” said Aqsa Hameed.

She received her Master’s degree in information systems from the University of Borås in 2023 and subsequently worked at Northvolt and Skellefteå Municipality. One important reason why she applied for the doctoral studentship was the connection between research and the textile industry.

“What attracted me most was that the project is not only about developing AI technology, but also about understanding how AI can be implemented, governed, and used effectively in organisations.”

Exploring the role of AI in fashion design

Andrea Rehbein Gonzalez is a Doctoral Student at the Department of Design. Andrea’s practice-based research explores the role and potential of AI in fashion design, with a particular focus on the relationship between digital systems and design practices.

“TexAI provides an opportunity to explore the relationship between digital technology and design at a time when AI is developing rapidly. For me, the connection between academia and industry is also important. It creates a research environment in which the research can engage with the challenges we face today,” said Andrea.

Andrea previously studied at the Swedish School of Textiles and subsequently taught alongside the own artistic work and design practice.

Critical perspectives on AI and design

Codi Körner is also a doctoral student at the Department of Design. In the doctoral project, Codi is investigating how AI can support design teams in the fashion industry in sustainable and meaningful ways. The research has an artistic focus and addresses relationships between fashion, memory, datafication, and AI, among other areas.

“My motivation is to contribute to the exchange of knowledge about the risks and opportunities of working with AI as an artist and designer. As the possibilities offered by AI and its impact on the designer’s role are changing rapidly, I think it is important to contribute with a critical research perspective.”

Codi’s background is in experimental fashion design and the critical exploration of digital technology. Codi has participated in interdisciplinary research and art projects involving sensors, wearables, textile installations, and design for immersive VR, among other areas.

Data in the textile ecosystem

Emelie Palmquist is a Doctoral Student at the Department of Business Administration and Textile Management. Her research concerns data sharing within the textile ecosystem.

Initially, she will map how data is shared and identify patterns, challenges, and opportunities. She will also investigate how AI tools can support decision-making in textile management.

“I am still in an exploratory phase. My plan is to let the results of the initial mapping guide the subsequent direction of the research,” said Emelie Palmquist.

She completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Borås and worked as a research assistant at the University of Borås before taking up the doctoral studentship. There, she participated in projects in textile management, textile engineering, and projects at Science Park Borås.

Her first period as a doctoral student has also involved contact with the other doctoral students in the research profile.

“I had heard that doing a doctorate can be lonely, but my first impression is the opposite. I appreciate the balance between working independently and driving my own research forward, while also receiving guidance and support from my supervisors and other doctoral students,” said Emelie Palmquist.

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Research environment TexAI

Previous news article in Swedish: Förväntansfull start för storsatsning på AI och cirkularitet (Anticipation as major initiative in AI and circularity gets under way)

Previous news article in Swedish: Ny forskarutbildning i informationssystem: “historiskt” (New doctoral education in information systems marks a historic milestone)