A new report has outlined strategic pathways for the integration of automation and robotics in UK fashion and textile manufacturing.
- The study examined the challenges and opportunities of integrating robotics and automation into UK manufacturing, offering targeted recommendations for the government and industry to modernise the sector and enhance workforce skills.
- It has suggested that these solutions have the potential to make the UK more competitive in international markets and drive sustainability, net zero manufacturing and a reshoring agenda.
- The report draws on insights from over 30 industry representatives who participated in a workshop led by Manchester Metropolitan University’s Robotics Living Lab, the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the Circular Fashion Innovation Network (CFIN), as well as an industry-wide survey launched in September last.
The findings include:
1. USES OF AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS:
- Highly automated factories are used by the sector offshore; however, some attendees had not seen this level of automation before.
- Robots doing dull and repetitive jobs so that human skill could be brought to the fore and celebrated.
- Collaborative robotics need to be easier to use and more intuitive.
- Quick change solutions for end effectors tools to aid workflows were recognised as a viable potential use of robotics.
- AI learning combined with robotics to enable e.g. defect detection in textiles or leather.
- Robotics could play a valuable part in improved identification and characterisation of waste and then recycling the waste.
- The proof of concept cutting tool demonstration generated a lot of interest.
- There is a need for codesign of machine applications, working alongside designers and manufacturing facilities.
2. UPTAKE OF ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGIES:
- Automated processes and robotics were likely to significantly impact the industry.
- Existing solutions are not yet sufficiently developed for practical implementation.
- Zero carbon manufacturing was important.
- There is still anxiety about workforces losing their jobs to technology.
- A scaled-up ecosystem involving diverse business sectors might support further growth for the UK fashion and textiles industries.
3. RESHORING MANUFACTURING TO THE UK:
- Reshoring of textiles production is seen as a viable proposition.
- Made in the UK is seen as a mark of quality and often seen in a positive light, but not by all businesses.
- Reshoring of UK fashion and textiles manufacturing needs a stronger lobbying group focused on government.
4. SKILLS LEVELS IN UK
- Skills levels in the UK need urgent attention from the government, universities, and inward investors to change the narrative around modern industrial practices and processes.
- Expertise in the fashion and textiles Industry must be brought back to the UK supported by investment in up-skilling the workforce.
- Bite-sized education pieces for SMEs with limited time to learn about new automation technologies and their benefits need to be urgently developed.
- The majority would need additional education and training in automation and robotics to help them effectively implement these technology solutions into their manufacturing.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE:
- UK fashion and textiles companies could increase efficiency, reduce production costs, improve production quality and consistency using robotics with the right financial support e.g. inward investment.
- The sector needs support to modernise across the supply chain. Automating fabric cutting, sewing, bonding and pressing tasks as well as the sorting of raw materials, identifying textiles for recycling, and defect detection in textiles can all be carried out by robots.
- There is an opportunity to upskill the workforce, developing a new narrative around modern industry and industrial practices, where UK firms may lack expertise in the latest technologies.
- Success metrics for the UK fashion and textiles Industry include adoption of more advanced machinery and tooling across the sector.
- UK fashion and textiles firms could move from prototype to scaled production with the efficient use of collaborative robotics.
- Ease of use is crucial for the adoption of collaborative robotics as companies are more likely to invest if systems are intuitive and accessible.
- Engaging with industry to identify skills gaps, working in tandem with universities to develop new courses in sustainability and circular economic models.
- Recognising that the UK has emerging strengths in a combination of AI technologies, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries as a driver for fashion and textiles sector growth.
- Inclusion of the fashion and textiles sector in new Industrial Strategy policy.
- The UK fashion and textiles industry and a wider manufacturing ecosystem could become a scaled-up innovative business sector that could develop circular economic models for sustainable growth.
This paper has been authored by: Susan Postlethwaite, Professor of Fashion Technologies, Director RoLL: Kat Thiel, Senior Research Associate, RoLL; Dr Douglas Atkinson, Reader in Fashion Technologies, MFI/RoLL; Dr Caitlin McCall, Senior Research Engineer, MTC; Dr Zofija Tupikovskaja-Omovie, Lecturer, MMU/SODA
