{"id":29158,"date":"2018-11-12T17:47:11","date_gmt":"2018-11-12T22:47:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digital.hbs.edu\/platform-rctom\/submission\/ministry-of-supply-using-3d-printing-and-ai-in-clothing\/"},"modified":"2018-11-12T17:47:11","modified_gmt":"2018-11-12T22:47:11","slug":"ministry-of-supply-using-3d-printing-and-ai-in-clothing","status":"publish","type":"hck-submission","link":"https:\/\/d3.harvard.edu\/platform-rctom\/submission\/ministry-of-supply-using-3d-printing-and-ai-in-clothing\/","title":{"rendered":"Ministry of Supply: Using 3D Printing and AI in clothing"},"content":{"rendered":"

History of Ministry of Supply<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many industries have been disrupted by the new technologies of additive manufacturing and machine learning. For the most part, the fashion and clothing industries have not seen this disruption. Ministry of Supply is embracing additive manufacturing and machine learning to create product improvements in an industry that could avoid doing so at the current moment. Ministry of Supply was founded by MIT alums with the goal of providing high-tech and comfortable clothing that could also be professional and stylish. Designed in appearance for being in the office, these clothes are \u201cbreathable, waterproof, moisture wicking, and odor controlling, making for a streetwear-meets-sportswear hybrid\u201d. [2] To prove just how comfortable they are, one of their co-founders even ran a marathon in a Ministry of Supply suit.<\/p>\n

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https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/-979qPR7nS\/?utm_source=ig_embed<\/a>[2]<\/p>\n

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Use of 3D Printing and AI<\/strong><\/p>\n

As described by Ministry of Supply their 3D printed items, ranging from dresses to blazers to crew-necks are constructed with technology similar to 3D printing which \u201cuses seamless design to create defined, sculpted shape with zero bulk that moves freely with your body\u201d. [3] People are different shapes, so Ministry of Supply is working to use 3D printing technology to help consumers get clothes that were designed for their bodies. In addition to designing the shape, these 3D printed clothing options also take into account which areas of the item have the most strain on them and factor this into the design. [4] Beyond enhancing the current sizing and fit issues, 3D printed clothes offer a major sustainability benefit that traditional tailoring can\u2019t match. The printing process for Ministry of Supply\u2019s 3D printed items create close to no waste. Compared to the typical 30% waste that\u2019s generated from traditional techniques, this advancement offers major improvements by utilizing an additive process rather than subtractive. [5] Furthermore, another sustainability benefit comes from the products simply being more durable than traditional fabrics. There are no seams in 3D printed clothing since it\u2019s created through an additive process. The lack of seams helps in the way of durability as it reduces rips and tears. [4] Expected to be available in November 2018, Ministry of Supply\u2019s Intelligent Heat Jacket uses AI and Machine learning to provide an optimal user experience. A \u201csmart thermostat\u201d within the jacket reacts to its environment (your surroundings and your body) and can adjust by providing up to 10 Watts of heat. [6] The jacket is able to seamlessly heat up based on your needs by using three carbon fiber heating devices which are each less than 1 millimeter thick. This jacket also offers an app and voice control functionality as well as wireless phone charging. [7][6]<\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Concerns related to 3D Printing and AI<\/strong><\/p>\n

The use of 3D printing and AI in Ministry of Supply\u2019s products creates concerns around price point and employment. These items currently come at a higher price point than many of their competitor\u2019s goods. As technological advancements improve and the product proves itself, this concern may dissipate. It certainly hasn\u2019t slowed the company down thus far. Using 3D printing to create clothes eliminated the need to lay out fabric, cut a pattern, and sew the item. [4] This could have an impact on employment for the production side of clothing throughout the industry if the trend grows. Additionally, Ministry of Supply does face a risk of using technological advancements in an industry that hasn\u2019t placed a focus on that need. For example, the enhanced fabrics used during the additive process may not hold the same esteem as traditional fabrics.<\/p>\n

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Recommendations<\/strong><\/p>\n

I would recommend that Ministry of Supply continue to use process improvement and product design megatrends in their products. This is unique for the industry which poses its own set of risks, however by embracing these technologies Ministry of Supply has a chance differentiate themselves within the market while providing a useful product.<\/p>\n

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Open Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n

The questions that I have for Ministry of Supply are around their innovation and use of new technologies. What does this company need to do while using innovative technologies to remain an accessible and practical option for consumers? What further innovations can be made to their existing products using machine learning?<\/p>\n

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(725 words)<\/p>\n

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[1] Ministry of Supply. \u201cAbout Us.\u201d Performance Professional Clothing for the Workday | Ministry of Supply, ministryofsupply.com\/pages\/about-us.<\/p>\n

[2] Ducharme, Jamie. \u201cThis Guy Ran a Half Marathon in a Ministry of Supply Suit.\u201d Boston Magazine, Boston Magazine, 9 Sept. 2016, www.bostonmagazine.com\/health\/2016\/01\/14\/ministry-of-supply-marathon\/.<\/p>\n

[3] Ministry of Supply. \u201c3D Print Knit Sweater\u201d. https:\/\/ministryofsupply.com\/products\/3d-print-knit-sweater-dress-navy<\/p>\n

[4] Leighton, Mara. \u201cA Clothing Startup Founded by MIT Grads Is Using 3D Printing to Make Better, More Sustainable Clothes.\u201d Business Insider, Business Insider, 6 Sept. 2017, www.businessinsider.com\/ministry-of-supply-3d-printed-knits.<\/p>\n

[5] Ministry of Supply. \u201cSustainability\u201d. https:\/\/ministryofsupply.com\/pages\/sustainability<\/p>\n

[6] Ministry of Supply. \u201cMercury Intelligent Heated Jacket\u201d. https:\/\/ministryofsupply.com\/products\/mens-mercury-intelligent-heated-jacket-black<\/p>\n

[7] Black, Erin. \u201cThis Self-Heating Jacket Knows How Cold You Are and Adjusts Accordingly.\u201d CNBC, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2018, www.cnbc.com\/2018\/03\/07\/ministry-of-supply-self-heating-jacket-was-designed-by-mit-alumni.html.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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