REINVENTING TEXTILE PRODUCTION BY COMBINING ROBOTICS, AI VISION, AND 24/7 PROCESSES.
Vandewiele Automation delivers advanced robotic and AI-driven solutions designed to transform textile production. From intelligent yarn handling to fully automated workflows, we help manufacturers boost productivity, quality, and reliability.
Vandewiele Automation was created as a dedicated automation division closely linked to SUPERBA, combining decades of textile engineering expertise with new developments in robotics, machine vision, and digital control systems.
The initiative emerged from the rapid evolution of automation in the textile industry and was strongly accelerated by the development of the KR1 automatic knotting system, introduced in 2022.
Building on this milestone, Vandewiele Automation now focuses on developing modular automation solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing production environments while preparing manufacturers for the next generation of smart factories.
Our history
Foundation of SUPERBA Group in Mulhouse, France.
The company begins developing mechanical solutions for textile production, laying the foundations for decades of engineering expertise.
Creation of SUPERBA S.A. – Textile Machinery Division.
The company enters the industrial textile machinery sector, focusing on yarn processing technologies and export markets.
Global Technology Leadership
SUPERBA becomes a reference in yarn treatment technologies, developing advanced heat-setting and space-dyeing solutions and making SUPERBA the World's leader in carpet manufacturing.
Integration into Vandewiele Group
SUPERBA joins the Vandewiele Group, strengthening technological synergies across the textile value chain.
The Origin of the KR1 Concept
The need to automate manual bobbin knotting becomes clear.
SUPERBA launches internal studies to explore robotic and vision-based solutions.
R&D and First Prototypes
A dedicated in-house robotics and vision team is formed.
First prototypes confirm the feasibility of automatic knotting.
Industrial Development Phase
The KR1 reaches industrial maturity.
Development expands from a knotting module to a complete robotic cell.
Official Launch at ITMA Milan
The full KR1 robotic cell is unveiled at ITMA Milan, marking SUPERBA’s entry into advanced automation.
Second Generation KR1
A more compact and reliable version is released.
Compatibility expands to technical textiles.
Expansion into Smart Quality Control
Development of camera-based inspection and intelligent monitoring systems begins.
ACL development
In parallel of KR1, we develop our catalog by working on the ACL, an automatic Creel Loader, designed to automate the loading and handling of yarn packages on creels, ensuring continuous supply to downstream textile processes.
Vandewiele Automation Creation
Vandewiele Automation is established as a dedicated division for robotic and AI-driven textile automation.
