Yeşim Group wins Innovation Award for AI-powered inspection in textile manufacturing
Yeşim Group has been honored with the Innovation Award at the 2025 Just Style Excellence Awards for its groundbreaking integration of AI-powered inspection technology in circular knitting. Developed in collaboration with Smartex.AI, this initiative has set a new benchmark for quality control, efficiency, and sustainability in textile manufacturing.
The Just Style Excellence Awards, powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, celebrate outstanding achievements in the global apparel and textile industry. They recognize organizations that are leading positive change and shaping the sector’s sustainable future.
Transforming Traditional Quality Control
In textile production, circular knitting has long depended on manual inspection—a process that is both time-consuming and prone to human error. Typically, fabric is checked only after a batch has been completed, meaning defects are often discovered too late. This leads to material waste, costly rework, and production delays, while consuming unnecessary yarn, dyes, and energy.
Recognizing these inefficiencies, Yeşim Group partnered with Smartex.AI to revolutionize its quality control process. The goal was to move from reactive correction to proactive prevention through real-time, highly accurate defect detection.
AI-Powered Inspection and the “Golden Stop” Mechanism
Yeşim’s circular knitting machines now feature the Smartex AI system, which uses advanced optical sensors and machine learning to inspect fabric as it is being produced. This smart, non-contact system captures high-resolution images and identifies issues like holes, oil marks, and fabric lines instantly.
One of the standout features of Yeşim’s system is the “Golden Stop” mechanism. Unlike traditional systems that merely alert operators, Golden Stop takes immediate action—automatically halting the machine if recurring critical defects are detected. Only an authorized supervisor can restart the process after investigating and resolving the problem. This approach ensures waste prevention and operational discipline.
Moreover, the system collects detailed data on defect types, frequency, and location, allowing Yeşim’s teams to perform root-cause analysis, fine-tune machine settings, and identify underperforming materials. This turns quality control from a manual task into a data-driven, strategic advantage.
Proven Results and Continuous Improvement
The impact of this innovation has been remarkable. In Lycra jersey production, the Smartex AI system has reduced fabric defects by nearly 70%, resulting in better product quality, improved efficiency, and less waste in downstream processes like dyeing, finishing, and garment production.
Data insights from the system have empowered Yeşim’s R&D and production teams to optimize maintenance schedules, refine machine parameters, and enhance productivity. The partnership with Smartex.AI continues to evolve, with regular software updates and the integration of new AI features.
By adopting this AI-driven quality assurance system, Yeşim has not only boosted operational efficiency but also advanced its sustainability goals—minimizing raw material consumption, cutting energy waste, and lowering its environmental footprint.
A Milestone for the Future
“Winning the Innovation category in the 2025 Just Style Excellence Awards marks a proud milestone for us,” said Selim Şankaya, Co-CEO of Yeşim Group. “This achievement reflects our dedication to enhancing quality, investing in technology, and protecting the environment.”
Şankaya emphasized that this success aligns perfectly with Yeşim’s mission “to create irreplaceable value through sustainable growth, protect the planet, and remain the strategic manufacturing partner of the world’s leading brands.”
He added,
At Yeşim, we see quality assurance not just as a control process, but as a strategic force that drives progress. This recognition validates our journey and motivates us to aim even higher.
