In an exciting turn for the fashion industry, robotics company CreateMe is poised to transform how t-shirts and other garments are produced. By stepping away from traditional sewing techniques and embracing adhesive technology, CreateMe aims to bring manufacturing closer to home and significantly streamline production processes. This innovative approach could not only reshape the apparel landscape but also reduce the environmental impact of clothing production.
A New Approach to Clothing Production
Robots have long been celebrated for their capabilities in various sectors, from automotive assembly to complex surgical procedures. However, garment manufacturing has remained largely untouched by automation, primarily due to the challenges posed by flexible textiles. Cam Myers, the visionary founder and CEO of CreateMe, highlights the difficulties in sewing: “You have to keep two pieces of fabric in alignment under motion.”
Instead, CreateMe is pioneering a method that uses adhesives to bond fabric pieces together, eliminating the need for traditional stitching. “Once the adhesive is laid down, you simply line something over it and stamp,” Myers explains. This revolutionary process has already enabled the production of women’s underwear, with t-shirts set to follow in the coming months, signalling the potential for mass production as soon as next year.
The Future of Localised Production
Currently, a mere fraction of clothing sold in the UK and the US is produced domestically. However, Myers believes that if just 10% of t-shirt manufacturing were to shift back to the US through automation, it would represent a monumental change in the industry. CreateMe’s adhesive is thermoset, ensuring durability even under washing and ironing, while also allowing for a seamless design that conforms to the human body’s contours.
Yet, the challenge remains that the fashion industry thrives on variety. Consumers enjoy a plethora of styles, colours, and designs, making it difficult for robots to meet diverse demands. As Myers acknowledges, the industry is still far from having robots that can produce the endless array of garments that consumers desire.
The Debate on Automation and Employment
While automation in garment manufacturing promises efficiency, it also raises concerns about job displacement. Palaniswamy Rajan, CEO of Softwear Automation, asserts that sewing will continue to play an essential role in fashion, given that visible stitching is a hallmark of many popular garments. His company is set to unveil its third-generation sewing robots, which he claims will produce t-shirts at a cost comparable to imports. However, details about the technology remain closely guarded amidst fierce competition for market share.
Textile workers have already faced challenges, from factory closures during the Covid-19 pandemic to disruptions caused by geopolitical events affecting supply chains. Automation advocates often suggest that workers should seek higher-paying, less repetitive jobs. Yet, the transition to fully automated garment production will not happen overnight.
Environmental Impact and Sustainable Solutions
One of the most compelling arguments for automating garment manufacturing is the potential to reduce the industry’s significant environmental footprint. Currently, the fashion sector generates a staggering 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually, with a large portion of unsold stock ending up in incinerators. The excessive consumption of water in the production process only adds to the urgency for change.
Gerald Feichtinger, a researcher at the Technical University of Leoben in Austria, has noted that on-demand manufacturing facilitated by robots could drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions. His recent study indicates that if t-shirts were produced locally rather than imported, emissions could plummet by approximately 45%. This finding underscores the importance of considering the entire supply chain, as re-shoring production is a complex task that requires addressing various components beyond just assembly.
Challenges Ahead for Automation in Textiles
While companies like Robotextile are making strides with innovative gripper technology that enhances robots’ ability to handle textiles, experts caution that the market for automating garment production may be limited. Michael Fraede, co-founder of Robotextile, suggests that the focus might be on specialised textiles, such as those used in bicycle bags or airbags, rather than mass-market apparel.
The road to re-shoring garment production is fraught with challenges, as many in the industry are still reliant on cost-saving measures that favour overseas manufacturing. Lauren Junestrand from the UK Fashion and Textile Association sees great potential for robotics within the UK apparel sector, though she acknowledges that competing with Asia in terms of volume will be difficult. “I think it’s going to be more of a co-existence,” she notes.
Why it Matters
The transition towards robotic garment production represents a pivotal moment for the fashion industry, with the potential to reshape not only how clothes are made but also where they are produced and their environmental impact. As companies like CreateMe forge ahead with innovative solutions, the future of apparel could see a blend of technology and sustainability that prioritises both efficiency and ecological responsibility. The question remains: will this revolution empower workers or push them aside? The answer will determine the shape of the fashion landscape for years to come.
