Textile garment classification with computer vision and artificial intelligence: Collaboration between Girbau and the start-up BitMetrics.
One of the main objectives of INDPULS is to promote the creation of synergies and establish collaborative relationships between industrial companies within the association’s ecosystem and innovative startups in the industrial sector. To achieve this, we drive programs for validation and growth for startups, providing investment options and complementing them with a continuous pipeline that inspires new products and services and exciting channels and business models for the associated companies.
A prime example of the realization of this purpose is the collaboration between BitMetrics, a start-up that has participated in our support program for startups ‘ACCELERATE YOUR GO TO MARKET’, with Girbau, a company associated with INDPULS and a leader in solutions for industrial laundry.
The challenge: classification of textile garments.
Managing linens in hospital laundries is a critical task, especially due to the presence of biological contaminants and hazardous items such as scalpels or syringes. Improving this process not only enhances the safety of workers but can also lead to long-term cost savings, as well as improving the safety and efficiency of laundries.
At Girbau, they identified their clients’ challenges and addressed the issue. Through Girbau LAB, a collaborative space created to add value through innovation driven by Girbau, and in collaboration with their clients, initial tests were conducted with tongs to separate the clothes individually.
This initial experiment was the seed for developing an advanced system, including a loading station and a specialized sorting area. This system has been patented and successfully implemented in Terrassa, where the feedback received so far has been positive, highlighting its robustness and user-friendly nature.
Visual inspection and virtual intelligence.
However, to implement this classification system, it is necessary to have all clothing “chipped,” and not all garments are equipped with this system. In response to this need, the collaboration between Girbau and BitMetrics, a start-up specialized in intelligent automation of processes based on computer vision and artificial intelligence, primarily in visual manipulation and inspection processes, has arisen.
Both companies have worked together and ultimately found a solution through computer vision and artificial intelligence, enabling them to be efficient and create corporate value through innovation.
Jaume Simonet, Director of Research and Development at Girbau, highly values this collaboration: “The team at BitMetrics stands out for its seriousness and professionalism. In this challenge, they have shown us that they can work with the rigor of an established company while maintaining the agility of a start-up. We are convinced that after this collaboration, more projects will come in the field of laundry process automation.”
Mar Marsulli, co-founder and CEO of BitMetrics, shares, “The collaboration with Girbau is very direct and fluid. Working with clear and shared objectives by both companies and a competent and committed team demonstrates Girbau’s commitment to realizing a project that will bring significant added value from a technological perspective and has all the ingredients from the standpoint of open innovation.”
