In what could be a revolutionary invention in the field of handloom weaving, a Coimbatore-based weaver has invented an automated handloom machine that can be used even by differently-abled persons here.

Handloom, which requires the use of legs, has been simplified with this new machinem which does not require the using of legs. This will be very helpful for the differently-abled without legs.

The newly invented machine has not been named yet. According to its inventor, 66-year-old V. Karappan, who has been in the field for more than 50 years, the idea began with an intention to help people without legs.

“I had been working on the idea for ten years now. I have used wheels, which makes this machine easier to work with than the typical handloom machine,” he tells the Covai Post.

Karappan explained that the new machine does not involve much physical movements. It needs no electricity either! “There is no work for the legs and electricity. All one needs are the hands to turn the mast in the machine,” he says.

Claiming that the machine requires less technical expertise to assemble, Karappan also says that the new machine costs nearly half the rate of normal handlooms.

“The normal handloom machine costs up to Rs.90,000. Power looms are even costlier standing at Rs.1.5 to 2.5 lakhs. But the new machine would barely cost Rs.55,000 and can also be easily assembled,” he claims.

He adds that he has successfully checked cotton material on the machine. He is currently checking silk material.

“I hope the machine is widely used by all people, and that they come forward to buying this machine because it is very simple to use,” he tells the Covai Post.