Is It The Beginning Of Robotic Fashion?
At Scarlet Destiny, we have a deep passion for fashion and innovation, and we're excited about the possibilities that arise when these two worlds intersect. We also frequently discuss the importance of sustainability and ethics in fashion. Considering the human aspect of the industry, wouldn’t it be more beneficial if the production process—where many human rights violations occur—could be automated? That day may be closer than we think.
Recently, we discovered that MIT's robotic arm can actually create a dress using computerised knitting and heat-activated yarns only. For those who may not know, MIT, or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a prestigious private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1861, it has been instrumental in advancing numerous fields of modern technology and science. From a wearable ultrasound device capable of detecting breast cancer in its early stages to innovative 3D printing techniques and a self-assembling habitat for the moon, these are just a few examples of the groundbreaking research and developments produced by MIT graduates.
But what struck us the most from their latest technology discoveries is the development of the 4D Knit Dress, an innovative method for personalising dresses in any size using a six-axis robotic arm typically found in the automotive industry, along with computerised knitting and heat-activated yarns. The 4D Knit Dress was designed to sculpt the garment around the wearer’s body. The robot arm blow-dries the heat-activated yarn to shape the fabric, allowing the dress to be adjusted even after months of wear. So wearers can modify its appearance using robotic technology, computerised design, and knitting techniques, enabling the entire outfit to be repurposed.
Once the garment design is programmed into the robotic arm, it can swiftly produce multiple dresses. The heat-activated yarns follow the sculpting commands from the robot, creating features like pintucks, pleats, an empire waist, or a cinched waist. The yarns are scrunched without the need for needles or traditional sewing, giving wearers the freedom to select styles that suit their body types and fashion preferences. Sasha MicKinlay, a recent graduate, contributed to the development of these active yarns, conceived the design concept, refined the knitting technique, and programmed MIT Self-Assembly Lab’s industrial knitting machine, which also showcases a 3D-printing technique capable of producing furniture pieces in just a few minutes using liquid metal.
Danny Griffin, a current graduate student in architectural design, has joined the team to translate the heat activation process into a programmable robotic procedure. His involvement ensures that MIT’s robotic arm moves with precision as it works on the 4D Knit Dress. The operation involves applying heat, which causes the fibres to shorten, resulting in the heat-activated yarns gathering in specific areas, shaping the garment as if tailored by the robot.
In an effort to counter fast fashion, the 4D Knit Dress breaks away from conventional ready-to-wear clothing, which usually depends on cut-and-sew techniques. This innovative project is crafted as a single piece, allowing for customisation to suit changing styles and individual preferences. If demand for this item begins to rise, it could signal the decline of fast fashion. By reusing the same garments and simply resizing and restyling the fabric for new wearers, we could significantly reduce production needs. Additionally, since a machine handles the manufacturing, it would help eliminate the dehumanisation of individuals within the supply chain.
[information sourced on designboom.com]