# 169. Novel Fabrics + Robots = Sustainable One-size-fits-all Fashion Revolution

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2024-04-09
- Length: 26m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-09-169-novel-fabrics-robots-sustainable-one-size-fits-all-fashion-revolution
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/169-novel-fabrics-robots-sustainable-one-size-fits-all-fashion-revolution-o0I_w1R_

## Summary

Daniel and Forbode discuss a collaboration between MIT’s Self-Assembly Lab and Ministry of Supply to create a sustainable, one-size-fits-all fashion system using smart fabrics and robotics. The technology utilizes active yarns that shrink when exposed to localized high heat, allowing garments to be tailored to individual body shapes via a multi-axis robotic arm. This approach aims to eliminate sizing waste in retail and democratize the perfect fit by adapting to body changes or style preferences over time. The hosts highlight how this scalable manufacturing process could significantly reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion by minimizing overproduction and textile waste.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-09-169-novel-fabrics-robots-sustainable-one-size-fits-all-fashion-revolution#t=0) Introduction: MIT and Ministry of Supply collaboration
- [3:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-09-169-novel-fabrics-robots-sustainable-one-size-fits-all-fashion-revolution#t=198) The problem with current sizing and fast fashion waste
- [6:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-09-169-novel-fabrics-robots-sustainable-one-size-fits-all-fashion-revolution#t=411) The four ingredients: active yarn, knitting, robotics, and software
- [13:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-09-169-novel-fabrics-robots-sustainable-one-size-fits-all-fashion-revolution#t=796) Scalability and environmental impact of Ministry of Supply
- [16:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-09-169-novel-fabrics-robots-sustainable-one-size-fits-all-fashion-revolution#t=962) Adaptability: changing fit for body changes and style trends
- [18:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-09-169-novel-fabrics-robots-sustainable-one-size-fits-all-fashion-revolution#t=1138) The value of perfect fit and consumer challenges
- [21:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-09-169-novel-fabrics-robots-sustainable-one-size-fits-all-fashion-revolution#t=1317) Listener feedback and podcast updates

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- MIT (company)
- Ministry of Supply (company)
- Self-Assembly Lab (other)
- dynamic sweater (product)
- active yarn (material)
- robotic heat application (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode Forty-Four: Kat Thiel](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-04-14-episode-forty-four-kat-thiel) (Robot Talk)
- [How Robotics is Changing the Apparel Industry](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-06-10-how-robotics-is-changing-the-apparel-industry) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [93% Lower Impact: The Tech Making Sustainable Fashion Competitive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-08-28-93-lower-impact-the-tech-making-sustainable-fashion-competitive) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [An Interview with Fabienne Serrière of KnitYak](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-07-10-an-interview-with-fabienne-serriere-of-knityak) (The Amp Hour)
- [Automation in High-Mix, High-Variability Environments w/ Ariyan Kabir and SK Gupta](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-10-08-automation-in-high-mix-high-variability-environments-w-ariyan-kabir-and-sk-gupta) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

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