Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other

Some of these tasks are already getting smarter. For example, factories use computer-vision systems to scan fabric for holes or tears instead of having a person look at every piece ^{[1] [2]}. In experiments, AI cameras have spotted holes, stains or wrinkles on cloth in real time, with accuracy above human workers.

Even sewing is seeing new tools. Companies like SoftWear Automation and Sewbo are building robots that can feed cloth into sewing machines. One trick is to temporarily stiffen the fabric so a robot arm can handle it ^{[3] [2]}.

Advanced “sewbots” use cameras and sensors so they stitch very precisely ^{[2] [3]}. These systems are still mostly in big factories, not your local tailor shop. Other tasks remain mostly manual.

Machines can cut fabric and punch grommets, but they are simple power tools or CNC cutters, not “intelligent” devices. For instance, automatic cutters trim edges by following a pre-set pattern, and grommet presses are powered but not steered by AI. In short, smart cameras and robots are helping with inspection and bulk sewing ^{[1] [2]}, but hemming curtains and mending everything by hand still rely on people’s skill.

In large-scale clothing plants, AI tools are getting picked up quickly. Textiles face a shortage of skilled workers, so systems that boost speed and cut waste are attractive ^{[2] [4]}. Industry reports say using robots can raise productivity by ~25% and cut costs ~20% ^[2].

For example, one research project automated trouser pleating and slashed labor time by 93% ^[2]. These savings encourage manufacturers to invest despite high upfront costs.