Robo-top: The machines that could make your next t-shirt
CreateMe, a robotics company, is developing machines that can automate garment manufacturing by gluing fabric pieces together instead of sewing. This innovation could potentially bring clothing production back to Western countries and reduce the environmental impact of the apparel industry. However, the transition to automation poses challenges for textile workers and raises questions about the future of traditional sewing techniques.
- ▪CreateMe's robots use adhesive to join fabric instead of traditional sewing methods.
- ▪The company plans to start producing t-shirts in the coming months, following its success with women's underwear.
- ▪If 10% of t-shirt manufacturing returns to the US, it could significantly impact the industry.
- ▪Automation in garment manufacturing could reduce environmental waste and improve production efficiency.
- ▪Textile workers are currently facing job pressures due to factory closures and supply chain issues.
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Robo-top: The machines that could make your next t-shirt5 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleChris BaraniukTechnology ReporterCreateMeFloppy textiles are hard for robots to manipulateThey assemble cars, they perform surgery, and they even handle cargo at airports. But give most robots a needle and thread, and they would probably come undone.That's why practically all the clothes sold in the world today are still made by hand, often by very low-paid workers in Asia.Those workers may use tools such as sewing machines but fully automating such labour is difficult. "You have a problem if it's sewing," says Cam Myers, founder and chief executive of California-based CreateMe, a robotics company.
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