Anew robotic mannequin may change the way both tailors and designers have workedon fittings for centuries, writes AllanCK Chan.

 

Fitting plays a crucialrole in the fashion design process. Customers procure garments with proper fitor even pursue the perfect fit, though the fashion trend changes with time.Designers or tailors have used mannequins for garment-fitting in search of theperfect fit for centuries. Today, they are still essential for garment-making,although each mannequin only provides one fixed size which can be costly, andoccupies lots of space for storage.

 

The design and constructionof mannequins depend on the data of national anthropometric surveys. However,anthropometric measurements of individual customers alter from time to time dueto their aging, eating habits, higher living standards, immigration etc. Acontinuous update and modification of mannequins becomes crucial for accuracy.Hence, a quick response to the change of body measurements and shapes can be akey success factor for the fashion world.


Sizefitting

Technology is going tochange the way designers and tailors work. A new robotic mannequin wasdeveloped to advance the apparel and clothing industry for more precise andcustomised fitting. Sizes (global) can be scanned, retrieved or amended. Thisrobotic mannequin can morph into any body shape and size in accordance with theinput of body measurements. It is made up of various panels to form differentbody parts such as shoulder, waist, hip and body length. Its size, shape,proportion and dimensions can be changed by simply entering the requiredmeasurements via the computer interface. It can transform from a specified sizeto any size figure within seconds. Different body configurations can be availedof on demand by customisable panel movements. For example, a smaller waist or afuller back or abdomen can be achievable.

 

The robotic mannequin canreflect the sizes of different races with high accuracy by a high-quality bodysizes database. Thanks to the analysis results of massive anthropometric dataof American, European, Chinese and Japanese populations, precise body sizes ofshapes of the robotic mannequin can now be reproduced through delicatemechatronics.

 

Real fitting models arealso widely used by designers offering their customers the privilege of theperfect fit. The processes of model booking and scheduling are verytime-consuming. The use of real models can be spared for fitting, and designerscan check the styles, fit, drape and final visual appearance of their design ona mannequin resembling a real human body with any shapes and sizes by using therobotic mannequin. Moreover, remote fitting can be achieved for bespoketailors, haute couture houses and design houses, while the robotic mannequincan stand in for the customer for the private fittings.

 

Mannequins currently usedby designers and tailors are standard-sized which require adjustments fordressmaking for the sake of the perfect fit. They might have to spend lots oftime to pad up their mannequins to the required body size and shape. However,they can do fittings without time and place registrations now with the roboticmannequin which can resize automatically and instantly. Moreover, thedress-making workshops or shop-floors do not have to stock mannequins withdifferent sizes consuming lots of spaces with one robotic mannequin fitting allsizes.

 

Fashion design

Alternations of the size are also possible - which becomes especially perfect for evening gowns, wedding dress and haute couture. It also streamlines the design process from concept to product, and hence the designers can work faster and speed up the design process to satisfy the fast fashion cycle.

 

The mechanism of the robotic mannequin to achieve such features is detailed as follows:

 

1. Measure individual customer (tall, short, thin or fat).

2. Input four essential body measurements into the robotic mannequin system. Other measurements can be customised.

3. The robotic mannequin will transform to the required shape, proportion and dimension to mimic the customer instantly.

4. Put a cladding on the robotic mannequin.

5. Drape or model the design or style on the robotic mannequin with muslin.

6. Remove muslin which will be used for pattern cutting and onward garment tailoring.

7. Tailor the garment.

 

The way ahead

The way designers and tailors work with mannequins remained the same, and limited too, for centuries. This revolutionary robotic mannequin will clearly change the entire scenario of made-to-measure tailoring, and bring the design process to a whole new level for the apparel and fashion industry by combing fashion and robotics. This mannequin will also be used for fashion design training and e-tailoring in the future.