When it comes to UK fashion and textile production, there is evidence of a gradual rise in adoption of robotics, particularly among companies hoping to modernise their production capabilities. But despite this, barriers to adopting automation remain.

In a new report based on research from the Manchester Metropolitan University’s Robotics Living Lab (RoLL) to understand the current use of automation and robotics in the UK fashion and textiles Industry, the UKFT explores whether the UK apparel and textile sector is on its way to a robotics revolution and details how embracing robotics and automation, can benefit the industry.

Details were revealed as part of a workshop to ascertain how robotics are being used by the apparel industry and to what degree.

How are robotics being used in the fashion and textile sector?

Some workshop attendees revealed they are already using highly automated facilities internationally to manufacture clothing but find it challenging to find commercially viable alternatives in the UK. Such facilities include drone and swarm technologies. But for others, it was the first time they had seen this level of automation and it was more difficult to imagine. More obvious uses like packaging, sorting, warehousing, digitalisation generally, and improved reporting were favoured.

“Results from the questionnaire suggest firms are using or plan to use automation and robotics in manufacturing facilities, in the supply base and end-of-life facilities. However, many firms believe creating business cases for investing in technology is a challenge, particularly in identifying the business-specific benefits and trade-offs in terms of Return on Investment (ROI), floor space, number of personnel, personnel skill levels, training on new equipment and agility of equipment (e.g., set up times for each new order as each one is potentially different and sometimes have very low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)).”

The questionnaire revealed that increased efficiency, reducing production costs, improving production quality and consistency were among the main drivers for firms wanting to modernise.

Assist, not overtake – the rise of “co-bots”

Due to the nature of the industry, there is a desire for collaborative automation that assists with tasks rather than fully replacing human effort. These collaborative robots would ideally have adaptable robotic tooling — so-called end effectors — to handle different stages of garment production and developed software/interfaces to enable ease of human interaction.

“Companies are aware that these technologies are still in their infancy and are therefore eager to see the technology evolve. Working with diverse, flexible fabrics presents the greatest challenge in their view. Deformable (floppy) textiles pose challenges when using robotics and automation. Performing tasks such as stitching, sewing, and cutting, require bespoke approaches to each fabric. Despite these obstacles, there is interest in seeing if robotics could be adapted successfully to meet these unique demands,” reads the report.

The report reveals that when asked how soon firms envisioned automation, cobots or agile tooling could be fully usable by designers and manufacturers, responses varied from “We already have a cobot in production,” “We are using today!” and “Our Chinese company already have [robots]” to “Within the next 10 years”.

“Attendees conveyed enthusiasm for the potential of innovative, low-carbon manufacturing techniques; however, they emphasised that existing solutions are not yet sufficiently developed for practical implementation in the fashion and textiles industry.”

Workshop attendees also suggested bringing robot developers to manufacturing sites to discuss the production challenges. Pathways for familiarisation at student and start-up level could be facilitated by the Robotics Living Lab. There were also questions about access to funding and how SMEs might know about labour saving devices and how small firms might invest in collaborative robotic solutions.

“The introduction and implementation of robotics is projected to significantly impact the industry. However, there are several barriers to overcome, one of which is human perception. There are strong perceptions in environments where there is limited or no automation that the introduction of robotics means the human operator is replaced. Many businesses use this as an opportunity to automate the ‘dull, dirty and dangerous’ tasks, which include repetitive tasks,” reads the report.

Upskilling to include robotics for a cutting-edge apparel production chain

A concern that has been batted about for some time now is the dwindling labour skill in the UK apparel manufacturing sector. But what if we’ve been looking at it the wrong way? What if skillsets are simply – and need to be – evolving?

More participants called for the upskilling of workers in the sense of being able to operate these new and innovative automation systems.

Robotics Living Lab is providing critical opportunities for transferable and essential skills for the emerging collaborative robotic CreaTech sector, including: 

• Speculative scenario development or horizon scanning for automation and robotics tools

• Offering bespoke solutions tailored to specific business needs through a residency programme

• Visiting manufacturing sites to better understand and address industry requirements

• Better liaison and feedback between industry and education providers on the requirements to train industry ready students.

“Modern manufacturing roles, such as those involving advanced technologies like robotic tools offer immediate opportunities for upskilling. These technologies not only elevate the skill level required but also help to shift outdated perceptions and stigmas around manufacturing. Workers using robotic machinery are now recognised as skilled robotics operators building on their skillset in fashion and textiles, enhancing the appeal and status of contemporary manufacturing roles.”

 By Just Style