Re-Shoring the Apparel Industry: A Stitch in Time Saves WALL-E

The American apparel industry has largely moved overseas, creating a national security risk and lost economic opportunities. The ARM Institute believes robotic innovation is the key to bringing garment manufacturing back to the U.S.

The Problem:

• 97% of clothing sold in the U.S. is made overseas.
• This weakens national security: PPE shortages during COVID-19 highlighted our dependence on foreign production.
• It represents a lost business opportunity: Consumers prefer American-made goods.

The Solution: Robotics and Automation

The ARM Institute is spearheading efforts to develop robots for apparel manufacturing. Key breakthroughs include:

• Robotic Assembly of Garments Project: This project uses a special stiffening process to allow robots to handle fabrics and traditional sewing machines.
• Subsequent projects: These projects have improved upon initial advancements, demonstrating the viability and importance of using robots in clothing manufacturing.

Looking Ahead

Continued collaboration between industry, government, and academia is crucial to move forward. The ARM Institute is committed to:

• Including garment manufacturing as a focus area in future technology projects.
• Creating safer, more engaging, higher-paying jobs in U.S. factories through robotics.
• Providing flexible training for new roles in operating and integrating robots.

Recommendations:

• Invest in further research and development of robotic sewing technologies.
• Develop training programs to equip American workers with the skills needed for these new jobs.
• Implement policies that incentivize companies to bring manufacturing back to the U.S.

By embracing robotic innovation, we can revitalize the American apparel industry, strengthen national security, and create new opportunities for American workers.

Join the discussion! Share your thoughts on re-shoring apparel manufacturing and the role of robotics in the comments below.