The Robot Revolution: Automation Comes into Fashion | Moving Upstream

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Automation is finally coming into fashion, with sewing robots that can produce clothes faster than human hands. In this episode of Moving Upstream, WSJ’s Jason Bellini takes a look at the latest technology and what it means for the 60 million people who work in the garment industry.
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37 COMMENTS

  1. This video aged as well as fine milk. So if anyone is reading this in 2024, no, automation didn't take over industries en masse and never will. Because humans are always much more flexible and efficient. And despite the greenwashing propaganda used by mass manufacturers, the time is running out for mass production of garments as the world is getting conscious about its horrid effect on ensoulment

  2. We call them sweat shops…but it allowed very poor people to have jobs and rise their standard of living…..so many people losing jobs will also be catastrophic…..I agree with the progress bit it will bring another problem……

  3. 🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

    00:00 🚀 Introduction to Automation in the Clothing Industry
    – The clothing industry, once mechanized, is now embracing automation.
    – Garment factories in developing countries, like Bangladesh, provide job opportunities but often under harsh conditions.
    01:17 🔨 Automation Threatening Garment Workers
    – Workers in Bangladesh garment factories face the threat of job loss due to automation.
    – German-made robots are knitting sweaters for major brands, replacing manual labor.
    02:22 🤖 Advancements in Machine Learning and AI
    – Recent advancements in machine learning and AI have enabled machines to handle soft materials.
    – New, versatile machines capable of complex tasks are on the horizon.
    02:59 📈 Impact on Bangladesh's Economy
    – Bangladesh, needing to add 2 million jobs annually, faces potential job loss due to automation.
    – A growing workforce and automation could lead to significant job displacement.
    03:58 💡 Education as a Solution
    – Education is seen as a crucial solution to prepare workers for more advanced roles.
    – Online programs and technological support can aid in skill development.
    05:00 🧵 Autonomous Sewing Machines
    – Autonomous sewing machines are making strides but are not as advanced as other autonomous technologies.
    – Companies like Juki are working on automating certain sewing processes.
    06:16 🏢 Automation in Prison Garment Production
    – Inmates in prisons use automated machines to meet daily production quotas.
    – Automation helps reduce labor and time requirements for tasks like adding pockets to uniforms.
    07:20 🌐 The Future of Automation in Garment Production
    – Companies like SoftWear are developing robots that can produce garments from start to finish.
    – Automation may impact both developed and developing countries, with potential for clothing production to return to the West.

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  4. Intrigued by your analysis; it's reminiscent of a book that was just as thought-provoking. "The Art of Meaningful Relationships in the 21st Century" by Leo Flint

  12. Shame on you Wal Street Journal; this has Nothing to do with "Fashion." This is about "garment making." YOU should know the difference between" sewing" and creating-which is what "fashion" is about/founded on.

  13. thanks for the great review of automation in the garment industry! Of course, automation needs to be regulated and aimed not only at business efficiency and profits, but well-being of people as well

  19. In my opinion this will actually bring down the prices of certain goods as it can be manufactured in near locations where Supply chain price can be controlled

  23. automation is good for developped countries that are having people with no skills and no will to work. it replaces human but needs high knowledge on electronics and mechanics and be placed on good condition like temperature and humidity contolled. Everything not yet available in non developped countries. Here anyway, we need to keep people working in their country:they are skilled and willing to work. What we must bring is health and safety and best practices to make their life better.

  24. I think it’s a wonderful idea! 💡

    Machines that can help eliminate human sewing techniques not only helps the fashion industry move forward but it can also eliminate sweatshops COMPLETELY 🧵🪡

    Sure it may have an impact on jobs but this is a big step to end human exploitation 😁

  25. Human beings are going to be entirely replaced by autonomous algorithms and robots ! Even the highly skilled and talented painter Rembrandt is already replaced by autonomous algorithms and robots ! Sooner or later, the taxation (value added tax !) of the use of autonomous algorithms and robots will be introduced wordwide ! Autonomous algorithms and robots add value to services and robots and this value added must be taxed !

  29. automation is gonna cause major global and domestic issues. mostly bc by the time someone learns a new trade, there can already be new automation for that field. and the fields most resistant to automation will also have increasing pressure to figure out how to automate them. Additionally, the learning curve for ai and robotics is exponential, whereas people can only really gain knowledge and skills, as individuals, linearly. Lastly, even in fields where humans outcompete robots/a.i., a 90% efficient robot may still be preferred if it costs half as much as a person. Just so many reasons why this is gonna cause trouble. Also, I'm very amused at the white collar workers who think they're immune from automation.

  35. No one in this video, used a thimble. No one was attempting to thread the eye of a needle. They all used sewing machines. The business of fabric is almost as old as cooking. Cloth work is tedious and difficult. Old eyes and poor dexterity place limits on human lifestyles. Nothing new here.
    Spinning wheels, looms…every technical leap we make has been a blessing. Yes, some people still weave by hand, and I enjoy watching them. But clever people take up the new tools, and run. I love to watch them run. To witness what technology does for us, is most fulfilling. Like watching kids grow. We each have a future, if we keep growing. Don't worry about over population, nature will challenge us, one day and we will need the minds of every man, woman and child, to overcome it. Automation is merely, the latest chapter.

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