An outline is given of the status of current High Volume Instrument (HVI) systems for cotton quality measurement. Typical repeatability data for repeat tests on the same samples by different instrument systems are discussed. HVI systems currently provide measures of the universally acknowledged important fiber properties, including length, strength, fineness/ maturity, color, and trash. Technical feasibility for including other important quality measurements is reviewed. Research on prototype instruments for future integration into HVI systems is discussed. HVI systems of the future will probably include measures of single fiber parameters because of increased demands by the textile industry for improved fiber quality control for high speed, advanced technology textile processes.