Exploring the Integration of Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Multinational Fashion Design and Manufacturing

Abstract

In the whirlwind of globalization's relentless advancement, the realm of cross-border fashion design and production is increasingly besieged by multifaceted challenges. These include navigating the intricate maze of cultural differences, unwinding the tangled complexities of supply chain management, and keeping pace with the mercurial whims of market demands. Recently, a beacon of hope has emerged through the synergistic fusion of digital twin technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), heralding potential solutions to these formidable issues. This study embarks on an exploratory journey to illuminate the application of AI-enhanced digital twin technology within the intricate tapestry of cross-border fashion design and production, casting a spotlight on the endeavors of fashion enterprises in China and South Africa. Employing a case study methodology, this paper delves deep into the labyrinth of challenges and strategies associated with the practical deployment of this technology, encompassing AI-assisted cross-cultural collaborative design systems, machine learning-driven cultural sensitivity analysis, and AI-powered real-time collaborative design systems. The findings reveal that these technological interventions significantly amplify design innovation, streamline production processes, and fortify the bonds of cross-border collaboration. Despite the shimmer of positive outcomes, shadows of challenges linger in the realms of data acquisition, the labyrinth of technical implementation, the dance of cultural differences, and the horizon of long-term benefit assessment. Future research is poised to navigate these challenges, endeavoring to unlock the full potential of digital twin technology and AI in the vibrant world of the global fashion industry.