Stäubli Positions Itself As Long Term Automation Partner, Not Just A Machine Supplier: Summer Hsia

In 2026, the global textile machinery market is expected to continue evolving toward higher automation, digital integration and efficiency‑driven investments, avers Summer Hsia in this exclusive tete-e-tete with Textile Insights

What are the latest innovations from Stäubli’s Textile Division that are transforming weaving preparation and automation?
Stäubli’s Textile Division continues to drive innovation in weaving preparation and automation by focusing on digitalization, process reliability and operational efficiency.

One of the latest major innovations is SAFIR PRO S47, a new‑generation automatic drawing‑in system that significantly enhances weaving preparation efficiency. Designed for speed, precision and versatility, it handles a wide range of yarns and is ideal for denim and cotton fabrics. This system can be integrated into any weaving mill. Thanks to its intelligent automation, intuitive operation and digital control, the SAFIR PRO S47 reduces style changeover times while ensuring consistent, high-quality results. It helps weaving mills improve productivity, optimize loom utilization and address current challenges such as labour optimization and increasing demands for flexibility.

In parallel, TIEPRO represents a key cutting-edge solution in the area of warp tying. The TIEPRO warp knotting machine is designed for universal use with standard warp yarns in any weaving mill. It features a type of yarn separation system without separating needles, which makes it especially economical. By combining precision with ease of use, it enables faster warp changes, minimizes errors and helps mills maintain high productivity with reduced downtime.

On the sustainability front, how is Stäubli integrating eco-friendly solutions into its textile technologies?
Sustainability is an integral part of Stäubli’s innovation strategy in textile machinery. Rather than focusing on isolated features, we aim to improve sustainability through efficient, durable and resource-saving technologies across the entire weaving preparation process. Our latest generation systems are developed to reduce environmental impact through optimized motion control, smart electronics and energy‑efficient operation. But sustainability goes far beyond energy savings.

A key pillar is long-term durability. Stäubli machines are engineered to operate reliably over decades, limiting the need for replacement and significantly reducing their lifecycle footprint. This is illustrated by leading customers who run Stäubli machines almost continuously, with some installations dating back many years and still delivering consistent performance today. The Managing Director of D’Decor, one of our Indian clients and one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of home textiles, explains that they run our machines 24/7 for 350–360 days a year, and that some units installed as far back as 1995 are still operating today.

We also promote sustainability through maintainability, repairability and long-term spare parts availability, ensuring machines stay in operation for as long as possible. In addition, digital solutions such as MyStäubli provide transparency over machine performance and lifecycle data, helping mills detect inefficiencies early and continuously improve resource usage.

How are automation and digitalization reshaping textile manufacturing and where does Stäubli position itself in this transformation?
Automation and digitalization are fundamentally reshaping textile manufacturing by moving mills from reactive production to highly predictable, stable and data‑driven processes. Today, automation is no longer limited to increasing speed; it is about improving reliability, consistency and resilience across the entire production chain.

Solutions such as automatic drawing‑in systems, intelligent shedding technologies and advanced Jacquard electronics significantly reduce dependency on skilled labour while shortening machine start‑up and changeover times. This is further supported by innovations such as TC8, Stäubli’s responsive controller for Jacquard machines, and NOEMI, its advanced hook selection technology, both designed to enhance precision, reliability and operational efficiency. This allows mills to respond more quickly to market demands while maintaining consistent fabric quality.

At the same time, digitalization and IoT‑enabled features are transforming the level of control mills can achieve. Connected machines, smart sensors and real‑time data access provide full visibility over critical parameters, enabling predictive maintenance, early issue detection and continuous optimization of production efficiency.

Stäubli positions itself as a long‑term automation partner, not just a machine supplier. Beyond delivering advanced technologies, we support mills through consulting, training, and long‑term service, ensuring a smooth and future‑proof automation roadmap. Our goal is to help customers build production environments that are more efficient, more sustainable and ready to face increasing complexity and market volatility.

What key demands are you observing from textile manufacturers today in terms of efficiency, flexibility and cost optimization? How is Staubli matching these demands?
Today, textile manufacturers are facing three key demands at the same time: higher efficiency, greater flexibility and strict cost optimization. Shorter production runs, frequent style changes and margin pressure are becoming the norm.

To improve efficiency, mills seek to reduce downtime and maximize machine uptime. Stäubli addresses this with highly reliable and automated solutions that shorten start‑up and changeover times while ensuring consistent fabric quality from the first metre.

Flexibility is equally essential, as manufacturers must handle a wide variety of yarns and fabric. Stäubli technologies are designed to adapt quickly to changing requirements without compromising performance.

Finally, cost optimization increasingly focuses on total cost of ownership. With durable machines, minimal maintenance, long‑term spare‑parts availability and digital tools that support preventive maintenance, Stäubli helps mills reduce operational costs while maintaining long‑term competitiveness. This also translates into a stronger return on investment, as customers benefit from higher uptime, lower lifecycle costs and sustained performance over many years.

Service is critical in machinery. How is Stäubli enhancing its service network and customer support globally?
Service is critical to ensuring long‑term performance and return on investment in textile machinery, and Stäubli continuously strengthens its global service network to stay close to its customers.

India has always been a strategic region for Stäubli, and our presence in India continues to grow. We rely on strong local service teams, with 23 trained local technicians supported by global experts, working closely with customers to ensure our solutions match real production needs. Today, Stäubli operates five service offices in Mumbai and Ichalkaranji (Maharashtra), Surat and Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and Erode (Tamil Nadu), ensuring fast response times while maintaining Stäubli’s global standards of quality and performance.

In parallel, digital platforms such as MyStäubli enhance customer support by providing transparency on machine performance, maintenance status and spare parts management. Combined with technical training, consulting and long‑term service support, this strong local and global service approach allows Stäubli to build trusted partnerships and support customers throughout the entire machine lifecycle.

How do you see the global textile machinery market evolving in 2026, particularly in key regions like Asia?
In 2026, the global textile machinery market is expected to continue evolving toward higher automation, digital integration and efficiency‑driven investments. Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, manufacturers worldwide are increasingly focused on improving productivity while managing labour constraints, energy costs and volatile market conditions.

Asia will remain a key growth driver, particularly in regions such as India, Southeast Asia, and China, where mills are upgrading existing capacities and investing in more flexible, automated technologies. The demand is shifting from purely high‑volume production toward greater versatility, faster changeovers and higher value‑added fabrics.

At the same time, investment decisions are becoming more cautious and ROI‑driven. Customers are prioritizing solutions that offer long‑term reliability and strong local service support, rather than short‑term performance gains.

In this context, Stäubli sees continued momentum for smart automation, digital solutions and durable equipment that help mills stay competitive over time. By combining advanced technology with strong local presence, service and long‑term partnerships, especially in Asia, Stäubli is well-positioned to support textile manufacturers through the next phase of industry transformation.