Imagine a knitting machine that works like a computer printer instead of a mechanical loom. Instead of using heavy metal gears to set a pattern, every single needle has its own tiny motor that can be controlled individually. This means you can change the design or the type of sock instantly via software without stopping the machine to swap out parts.
Traditional circular knitting relies on fixed mechanical cams, forcing large production batches and causing high waste and idle time during changeovers.
A fully operational industrial-grade prototype of a circular knitting machine featuring 156 stepper-motor-driven actuators and custom PCB boards.
If you are a custom hosiery brand dealing with high setup costs for small batches — this project developed a digital knitting system that allows multiple product types in a single run. This reduces idle time and material waste by eliminating mechanical reconfiguration.
If you are a technical knitwear manufacturer dealing with rigid production limits — this project developed a machine with 156 individually controlled actuators. This enables the creation of complex technical structures that conventional machinery cannot achieve.
If you are a luxury atelier dealing with the inefficiency of mass production for unique pieces — this project developed a programmable digital process. This allows a transition to mass customization and localized production for high-end clients.
The technology eliminates many mechanical components, which results in cost savings and increased machine reliability. It also reduces expenses related to tooling and material waste.
Yes, the project developed an industrial-grade prototype capable of operating at industrial rates with 156 individually controlled actuators.
The project establishes a pathway to impact starting with commercial machine sales, with later plans to expand into licensing the technology.
It transforms mechanical knitting into a programmable digital process, allowing manufacturers to change patterns and textures in real time without mechanical reconfiguration.
Based on available project data, the project period is from 2023-10-01 to 2025-09-30, aiming to move from laboratory concept to an industrial-grade prototype.
The project is led by a single Italian SME, HPCC SYSTEM SRL, which holds 100% of the industry ratio. This lean structure indicates a highly focused development cycle driven by a single entity capable of integrating mechanical, electronic, and software engineering.
Contact HPCC SYSTEM SRL in Italy for commercial machine inquiries.
Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for digital knitting technology.
