Compact clothing manufacturing assembly, modules therefor and methods of assembling and using a clothing manufacturing assembly

Abstract

Compact clothing manufacturing assembly 12 for manufacturing clothing, the compact clothing manufacturing assembly 12 comprising a first module 22a having a support structure 32a and a first manufacturing workstation 34a for carrying out at least one fabric processing step; a second module 22b having a support structure 32b and a second manufacturing workstation 34b for carrying out at least one fabric processing step different to the at least one fabric processing step of the first manufacturing workstation, at least one of the manufacturing workstations being automated for carrying out a fabric processing step automatically; and transfer means 20 for transferring fabric between the first and second modules 22a, 22b; the support structures being stackably engageable or engaged with one another to form a stack for reducing the footprint of the clothing manufacturing assembly so as to provide a compact clothing manufacturing assembly. The assembly may be at most 25 square metres or 9 square metres. The assembly may have a control system which may include a blockchain unit. Also claimed are modules suitable for the assembly.

Description

The present invention relates to an assembly for manufacturing garments. The present invention also relates to a first module and a second module suitable for the manufacturing assembly. The present invention further relates to a method of assembling a clothing manufacturing assembly, and a method of use of the manufacturing assembly. Cheap clothing has become available to users with the advent of mass production. However, producing clothes is not without issues. Mass production is typically underpinned by cheap manual labour from overseas workers working in large workshops and warehouses. The overseas workers are frequently exposed to poor working conditions, exploitation, and injuries. Different stages of clothing production may require different skills and specialised machinery, which requires production to be handled in different parts of the world. As such, garments or parts thereof must be transported to the various locations, which also increases the time delay between the start of production and the finished product being available for purchase by the end user. The fit of a mass-produced garment may be sub-optimal. Sizing is not normalised across the industry such that sizes may vary between brands. The environmental impact is also negative due to high water consumption, chemical usage during production, emissions due to transport. Most mass-produced garments also end up in landfill. An alternative to mass production is garments which are tailor-made but this is even more labour intensive, expensive and time consuming. Due to the upfront costs of designing and producing clothing, only designers with a large financial backing can afford to produce a bulk order of garments and launching a new collection, with the associated risk of a commercial failure. Furthermore, artistic works or designs that are protected by intellectual property rights such as registered designs or copyright may be frequently used in the industry without the knowledge and / or consent of the right holder. Automation replacing manual labour also means a loss of livelihoods. The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a compact clothing manufacturing assembly for manufacturing clothing, the compact clothing manufacturing assembly comprising a first module having a support structure and a first manufacturing workstation for carrying out at least one fabric processing step; a second module having a support structure and a second manufacturing workstation for carrying out at least one fabric processing step different to the at least one fabric processing step of the first manufacturing workstation, at least one of the manufacturing workstations being automated for carrying out a fabric processing step automatically; and transfer means for transferring fabric between the first and second modules; the support structures being stackably engageable or engaged with one another to form a stack for reducing the footprint of the clothing manufacturing assembly so as to provide a compact clothing manufacturing assembly. The assembly can quickly produce a garment for a user. The assembly is compact such that it can placed in a range of locations. The assembly may also be portable in view of its compactness. As the assembly may be anywhere, manufacture is not restricted to overseas such that the lead time associated with manufacturing and shipping is reduced. Partial or full automation increases the speed and consistency of the finished product. Garments are only produced on demand such that waste is reduced. Preferably, the footprint of the compact clothing manufacturing assembly may be at most 25 square metres. Furthermore, the footprint of the compact clothing manufacturing assembly may be at most 9 square metres. The assembly is small and compact so can fit in a greater range of locations, at least compared to traditional warehouses. A small assembly may even be portable. Beneficially, the assembly may further comprise a control system. The control system controls part or all of the assembly such that manufacture may be partly or fully automated Optionally, the control system may include a blockchain unit. Blockchain increases traceability of supply chains. Blockchain may also ensure royalties are paid to IP holders, such as the owner of a registered design, used during manufacture of a garment. Blockchain may also enable a share of the profit is provided to manual labourers who no longer have a job due to being replaced by automation. Preferably, the assembly may further comprise a sensor. The sensor may help monitor the manufacturing process. Beneficially, the control system may further include an artificial intelligence unit. The artificial intelligence unit may be communicable with the at least one sensor. Optionally, based on an input from a sensor, the artificial intelligence unit may be configured to detect an error in a manufacturing step. The artificial intelligence unit may decide whether to emit a corrective command to the, preferably automated, manufacturing workstation to rectify the error, and optionally, emit the corrective command for automated quality control. Quality control may be automated. As an error can be corrected in real time, it may no longer be necessary to discard an erroneous garment, thereby saving time, resources, cost and being environmentally friendlier. Advantageously, the control system may include a communications unit for communication with a telecommunications device. Optionally, the communications unit may include at least one of: an internet sub-unit, a Wi-Fi (RTM) sub-unit, a Bluetooth (RTM) sub-unit, and an NFC sub-unit. The telecommunications device enables a user to input an order, such as purchase a garment, optionally remotely. The user can pick up the garment from the assembly at a later stage. Additionally, the control system may further include an alarm unit for emitting an alert. Automatic alerts may be raised or emitted, for example in case of fire, fault or when re-stocking is needed or forecasted to be needed. Preferably, the assembly may comprise a pneumatic clamping element for clamping fabric. Optionally, the pneumatic clamping element may include at least one inflatable cushion. The risk of damage to fabric may be reduced or eliminated. The pneumatic clamping element may also provide finer control during fabric handling, at least compared to a non-pneumatic clamping element. Beneficially, a said manufacturing workstation of a said module may comprise a panel-holding frame for holding one or more fabric panels, preferably in a taut or substantially taut condition. The fabric panels are stretched out and accessible from both sides of the fabric. Furthermore, the panel-holding frame may be rotatably movable and / or translatably movable. The fabric panels are secured in place yet easily moved, in at least one dimension and preferably in three dimensions. Sewing precision may be increased. Preferably, a said manufacturing workstation of a said module may comprise a multi-functional head. The multi-functional head may comprise at least one of: a sewing needle, a sewing means, a supply of thread, a chemical-dispensing means, a supply of a chemical, a non-chemical treatment element and a finishing element applicator. Optionally, the finishing element applied by the finishing element applicator may include at least one of: a haptic element, a digital wearable element, and an electronic wearable element. A single head capable of carrying out multiple tasks is space efficient. Preferably, a said manufacturing workstation may comprise a fabric-unwrapping sub-station. The fabric may be unfolded, unrolled or unspooled in a controlled manner. Advantageously, the assembly may further include a roller element. The roller element may spread out fabric, for example to remove any creases or folds. The roller element may also apply a flattening force to the fabric. This may help stretch out fibres and / or remove any residual curvature in the fabric, such as due to being wrapped around a shaft, reel or spool. Preferably, a said manufacturing workstation may include a fabric storage element. Preferably, the fabric storage element may have a shape and / or a dimension to enable at least one roll of fabric to be stored above another roll of fabric for further increasing the compactness of the assembly by reducing the footprint of the roll storage element by stacking rolls of fabric vertically. The fabric may be stored compactly, out of the way until needed. The storage element also facilitates retrieval of any specific fabric roll. Beneficially, the assembly may further comprise at least one solar panel and / or at least one rechargeable battery. The assembly may be used off grid, such as in a disaster zone. Furthermore, the transfer means may include a robot. No manual labour may be required. The manufacturing process may be continuous as no rest breaks are required. Optionally, the support structure of at least one said module may comprise a transfer means support for supporting a movable element of the transfer means and enabling the movable element to be moveable around a said module. The support structure enables part of the transfer means to be movable. Thus, a single movable element, such as a robot, can service different areas. It is not necessary to provide any further movable element, bringing down costs, reducing complexity and space requirements, and thus increasing compactness further. Beneficially, the transfer means support of a plurality of modules may be interconnected for enabling a same movable element to move from the first module to the second module and / or vice versa. A common movable element may service all or at least a plurality of modules, again, reducing complexity, costs and space requirements, and increasing compactness. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a first module suitable for a compact clothing manufacturing assembly preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The module may be provided in isolation, such as for customisability of the assembly. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a second module suitable for a compact clothing manufacturing assembly preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The module may be provided in isolation, such as for customisability of the assembly. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a compact clothing manufacturing assembly, the method comprising the steps of: a] obtaining a plurality of modules and transfer means for transferring fabric between modules, each module having a support structure and an manufacturing workstation for carrying out at least one clothing manufacturing step; b] positioning a module of the plurality of modules on top of a further module of the plurality of modules so as to form a stack for reducing the footprint of the clothing manufacturing assembly and associating the transfer means with the modules; and c] optionally, repeating step b] as many times as required. The assembly may be easily and rapidly assembled to provide a compact manufacturing assembly or hub. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided method of rapidly manufacturing a garment, the method comprising the steps: a] obtaining a compact clothing manufacturing assembly, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; b] the workstation of the first module processing fabric by carrying out at least one garment manufacturing step; c] the transfer means transferring the fabric processed by the workstation of the first module from the first module to the second module; and d] the workstation of the second module processing the fabric transferred by the transfer means by carrying out at least one further manufacturing step, wherein the at least one manufacturing step of the first module differs from the at least one manufacturing step of the second module. The compact assembly can be located anywhere such that a garment to be easily produced and rapidly delivered by a local compact assembly, as no long-distance shipping is required. The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective representation of an embodiment of a garment manufacturing system having an assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and a telecommunications device, in-use, with parts of the assembly omitted for clarity and the telecommunications device being communicable with the assembly; Figure 2 is a side representation of part of a transfer means of the assembly shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a close up perspective representation of a pinion of the transfer means of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a close up perspective representation of a base of the transfer means of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a close up perspective representation of a safety engagement mechanism of the transfer means of Figure 2; Figure 6 illustrates a close up perspective representation of an elevator of the transfer means and part of a support structure of the assembly of Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a perspective representation of part of the transfer means of the assembly shown in Figure 1, with the elevator of Figure 6 and three movable elements illustrated; Figure 8 is a perspective representation of part of a fabric storage element, shown in partial transparency for clarity, in-use storing four rolls of fabric, with the fabric, a housing and a rollrepositioning element omitted for clarity, and four motor elements associated with each roll of fabric; Figure 9 illustrates the fabric storage element of Figure 8, with the motor elements omitted for clarity, but showing a housing, roll-repositioning element, two rolls with fabric wrapped around a central shaft and two used rolls devoid of fabric; Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a fabric storage element for use in the assembly of Figure 1; Figure 11 is a perspective representation of a fabric-unwrapping sub-station of the assembly of Figure 1, in an assembled condition, with a shaft devoid of fabric for clarity; Figure 12 illustrates the fabric-unwrapping sub-station and shaft of Figure 11 in an exploded condition; Figure 13 shows a perspective representation of a fabric-stretching sub-station and a fabrictensioning sub-station of the assembly of Figure 1, in-use, with a roller element in a non-operational condition; Figure 14 is the fabric-stretching sub-station, and fabric-tensioning sub-station of Figure 13, in-use, with the roller element in an operational condition; Figure 15 illustrates a close up perspective representation of a pneumatic clamping element of the fabric-tensioning sub-station of Figure 14, with cushions omitted for clarity and shown in partial transparency to illustrate air holes; Figure 16 shows cross-sectional representation of the pneumatic clamping element of Figure 15, in-use, with two inflated cushions cooperating to clamp fabric; Figure 17 is a perspective representation of part of an alternative pneumatic clamping element for use in the assembly of Figure 1; Figure 18 illustrates the alternative pneumatic clamping element of Figure 17, in-use; Figure 19 shows a perspective representation of a fabric-cutting sub-station of the assembly of Figure 1, in-use; Figure 20 illustrates a perspective view of a movable element of the transfer means of the assembly of Figure 1; Figure 21 is a perspective representation of a workstation of a second module of the assembly of Figure 1, in an assembled condition; Figure 22 illustrates the workstation of Figure 21, in an exploded condition; Figure 23 shows a close-up perspective representation of a head of the workstation; Figure 24 illustrates a cut-away plan representation of a threader of the assembly of Figure 1; Figure 25A shows a close-up view of the threader of Figure 24, in-use, prior to insertion of a needle into the threader; Figure 25B is the threader of Figure 25A, in-use, after insertion of the needle into a needle positioner of the threader; Figure 25C shows the threader of Figure 25B, in-use after insertion of an end of thread through an eye of the needle; Figure 25D shows the threader of Figure 25C, in-use, after removal of the threaded needle from the threader; Figure 25E illustrates the threader of Figure 25D, in-use, after disengagement of the thread from the threader; Figure 26 is a side representation of the workstation of Figure 21; Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of the interactions of a control system with parts of the garment manufacturing system of Figure 1; Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of the interactions between units of the control system of the assembly of Figure 1; and Figure 29 shows a schematic diagram of the garment manufacturing system of Figure 1, in-use. Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a garment manufacturing system indicated generally at 10. The garment manufacturing system 10 may replace a traditional model of large, centralised factories by providing instead one or more localised micro-production hubs, each hub being referred to as an assembly 12. Optionally, the garment manufacturing system 10 may include at least one telecommunications device 14. Preferably, the garment manufacturing system 10 includes at least one said assembly 12. The assemblies 12 and / or telecommunication devices 14 of the garment manufacturing system 10 may form a network. Manufacturing is decentralised. The terms “clothing”, “clothes” and “garment” are used herein and throughout interchangeably. A garment may include any of: a shirt, a t-shirt, a hat, a coat, trousers, underwear, a bra, socks, an apron, a jumper, a hoodie, a shoe, by way of examples only. The telecommunications device 14 in-use enables a user to input data to and / or receive an output from the garment manufacturing system 10 or part thereof. The telecommunications device 14 is preferably communicable with one or more assemblies 12. The telecommunications device 14 may be at, such as in, on or integrated within an assembly 12. The telecommunications device 14 may alternatively be remote from an assembly 12. The telecommunications device 14 may have a user interface. The user interface may have a screen and / or a user interactable element, such as a button or toggle. The user interactable element may be analogue and / or digital. The telecommunications device 14 may be a computing device. Desktop and / or laptop computers may be envisioned. The computing device may be a personal telecommunications device, such as a phone. The assembly 12 may be referred to as a clothing manufacturing assembly, a compact clothing manufacturing assembly, a garment manufacturing assembly, a garment manufacturing hub, or a hub. The assembly 12 in-use carries out at least one, and more preferably all clothing manufacturing steps. The assembly 12 is preferably compact. The assembly 12 is preferably compact. The term “compact” used herein and throughout is intended to mean that the area on the ground or footprint of the assembly 12 is small. Preferably, the footprint of the assembly 12 is at most 40 square metres (m2), although more than 40 m2 may be envisioned, such as at least 50 m2, at least 60 m2, at least 70 m2, or at least 100 m2. More preferably, the footprint may be at most 25 m2quare metres, more preferably at most 20 m2. and even more preferably at most 10 m2. More preferably still, the footprint may be at most 9 m2, or even at most 6 m2. In the shown embodiment, the footprint is 4 m2 The assembly 12 may for instance, be four metres wide by four metres deep, more preferably three metres wide by three metres deep. Preferably in the shown embodiment, the assembly 12 is or is substantially two metres wide by two metres deep. Alternative measurements of width and / or depth may be envisioned. The height of the assembly 12 may be less than 8 metres but greater than 8 metres may be an option. With increasing preference, the height of the assembly 12 is 7, 6, 5, 4 or 3 metres at most. In the illustrated embodiment, the height is or is substantially 2 metres or less. The small dimensions of the assembly 12 enable the assembly 12 to be portable and / or located in a range of locations, such as airports, museums, shopping centres, shops, artistic venues, stadiums, by way of examples only. The assembly 12 may even be located or relocated to an area hit by a natural disaster, to produce clothing rapidly and on demand, according to the user’s needs. The assembly 12 has a modular structure. The assembly 12 has means for connecting to a source of power, a power source 16, an outer housing 18, transfer means 20, at least one, and more preferably a plurality of manufacturing modules 22, a sensing system 24, and a control system 26, but any of the above features may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above features may be provided. The assembly 12 or any part thereof may be formed of metal, plastics, wood, fabric, carbon fibre, glass fibre, glass, any other suitable material, and any combination thereof. The means for connecting to a source of power may also be referred to as a power connector. The means for connecting to a source of power is a pathway or conduit for power. The conduit enables one or more of: the garment manufacturing system 10, the or a said assembly 12, the or a said module 22 or any part thereof to be connected or connectable to a source of power 16. If provided as part of the assembly 12, the source of power 16 may include any or any combination of: electrical mains, a solar panel, a battery, a generator, a plurality of any of the above, and any combination thereof. The, each or a said battery may be rechargeable. Solar panels provide renewable energy such that the environmental impact of the assembly 12 is reduced. Solar panels, batteries and / or generators may enable the assembly 12 to be used off-grid. An off-grid assembly 12 may be used in an area affected by a natural disaster. The outer housing 18 in-use may have one or more of the following functions. A first function may be to provide a protective shell to the garment manufacturing system 10 or part thereof. More preferably, the outer housing 18 may provide a protective shell to all or at least part of the assembly 12 for preventing or inhibiting damage to the assembly 12 or part thereof. A second function may be to provide a barrier to prevent or inhibit user access to the, each ora said module 22. A third function may be to improve the aesthetics. The outer housing 18 may preferably have an aperture through which a finished garment may be provided to the user. The outer housing 18 is illustrated in Figure 1 as a dashed outline. Referring to Figure 2, the transfer means 20 in-use transfers fabric between the manufacturing modules 22. Additionally or alternatively, the transfer means 20 may also move fabric within a module 22, such as between parts of a workstation of a module 22. The transfer means 20 may also be referred to as a transfer mechanism, a transfer element, a feed or a fabric mover. Preferably, the transfer means 20 includes a, preferably automated, movable element or mechanism 28 and a transfer means support 30, but either may be omitted and / or a plurality of either may be provided. The assembly 12 may have any number of movable elements 28, such as one or at least two. Optionally, each ora said module may have at least one movable element 28. Alternatively, at least one movable element 28 may be provided in common for a plurality of modules. In the shown embodiment, the movable element 28 includes a robot 28a, and more preferably a robotic arm thereof. Any alternative to a robot may be envisioned, such as a conveyor belt, by way of example. The robot 28a preferably includes fingers for gripping fabric between opposable or opposed fingers. Additionally or alternatively, the robot 28a may include at least one suction element for engaging with fabric via suction. A finger may even have the ability to either or both grip and hold fabric via suction simultaneously. A finger may, for example, be hollow and have a suction element within. The robotic arm may be referred to as a manipulator robot 28a. The robot 28a has preferably at least one, two, three, four, or five degrees of freedom, and most preferably six degrees of freedom (6DOF). The movable element 28 also includes a pinion 28b, a support bracket 28c, and a safety engagement mechanism 28d but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The pinion 28b, shown in Figure 3, also referred to as a gear, is engageable with the transfer means support 30. The support bracket 28c shown clearly in Figure 4, enables the movable element 28 to be engaged or engageable with the transfer means support 30 in a stable fashion. The support bracket 28c is movable, and more preferably slidable or translatable along the transfer means support 30. The support bracket 28c may be referred to as a shuttle, or a slider for clarity. The safety engagement mechanism 28d in-use enables the robot 28a to be secured to the pinion 28b and / or to the support bracket 28c. The safety engagement mechanism 28d shown in the present embodiment includes a safety pin, as shown more clearly in Figure 5, but any addition or alternative to a safety pin, may be envisioned, such as a lock. The safety pin in-use extends through the pinion 28b and / or support bracket 28c. The transfer means support 30 in-use supports the movable element 28 and enables the movable element 28 to be moveable around the assembly 12 and / or a module 22 thereof. The or a said transfer means support 30 may be associated with or provided at the, all or at least one module 22. If the transfer means support 30 is associated of a plurality of modules 22, the portion of the transfer means support 30 associated with a said module 22 may be referred to as a transfer means support portion for clarity. The support portions jointly are considered to form the transfer means support 30. If transfer means support portions are interconnected with each other, the transfer means support 30 enables a same movable element 28, here robot, to move from one module to another module. Preferably, the transfer means support 30 and / or a transfer means support portion thereof includes a rail 30a and an elevator 30b, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. For instance, the movable element may be free standing. The movable element may have wheels and / or leg elements. The rail 30a, also referred to as a rail element, preferably includes a rack. In other words, the rail 30a may include a rail body and teeth. The pinion 28b is engageable with the rack. The rail 30a may be linear, part linear, and / or non-linear, such as curved. As illustrated, the rail 30a has at least one elbow. The pinion 28b enables movement of the movable element 28 around the elbow. If provided, the elevator 30b in-use enables the movable element 28 to be moved from one module 22 to another module 22. The elevator 30b is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. It could easily be envisioned that the rail additionally or alternatively extends between modules 22, such that the elevator 30b may not necessarily be required. The movable element 28 may be movable along the rail between modules. It may even be envisioned that the movable element may have a length and / or configuration such that the movable element is able to reach from one module to another without needing to be moved to the other module. A representative manufacturing module 22 will now be described. The representative manufacturing module 22 has a support structure 32 and a manufacturing workstation 34, but either may be omitted and / or a plurality of support structures may be provided. The support structure 32 of a representative module 22 comprises a platform 36a and at least one spacer element 36b, but either may be omitted and / or a plurality of either may be provided. Optionally, the platform 36a of the lowest module may be omitted for example if the module is installed directly on a ground surface. The support structure 32 may provide a space or volume. The volume preferably receives at least part of, or all the workstation 34 of the module 22. The platform 36a provides a support surface. Optionally, the workstation 34 may be seated upon and / or may be suspended from the platform 36a. The platform 36a may form a ceiling or a floor of the module. A same module 22 may even have a plurality of platforms 34, thereby providing a floor and a ceiling. The floor of a module 22 may also provide a ceiling of a module 22 below. The spacer element 36b in-use spaces apart the platform 36a of a module 22 from a further said platform of either the same module or a further said module. The spacer element 36b preferably includes a strut, pillar, beam, suspension chain, or wall. The spacer element 36b may even form a cage or frame. The cage or frame may partly or fully enclose the workstation 34 of the module 22. Optionally, the cage or frame may support, enclose, partly or fully any or any combination of the sensing system 24, the control system 26, means for connecting to a source of power, the source of power 16, the outer housing 18, and the telecommunications device 14. The spacer element 36b preferably extends perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the platform 36a. The spacer element 36b has a length. The platform 36a may be positioned or positionable anywhere along the length of the spacer element 36b, though is preferably at or adjacent an end of the spacer element 36b. The length may be fixed or at least in part adjustable. For example, the spacer element 36b may have a length-adjuster element 38. The length-adjuster element 38 may include a locking element, here a bolt. The locking element may be engaged at a position selectable from a range of positions. The range of positions is here determined by a series of apertures with which the locking element is engageable, here by being receivable within. Any alternative locking mechanism and / or any alternative length-adjuster element may be envisioned, such as a spacer element being telescopic. There are preferably four spacer elements 36b but any number may be envisioned, including none, one, or at least two. The manufacturing workstation 34 in-use carries out at least one garment manufacturing step. A manufacturing workstation 34 preferably includes at least one mechanism and / or machine for carrying out at least one step. The manufacturing workstation 34 may be at least partly or, preferably, fully automated. However, at least some manual input may be envisioned. For clarity, each module only has one manufacturing workstation 34. However, each workstation 34 may carry out any number of garment manufacturing steps or tasks. Optionally, a manufacturing workstation 34 may have one or more work sub-stations. Each work sub-station carries out one garment manufacturing step. Sub-stations may be spatially distinct from one another, but partially or fully overlapping spatially may be envisioned. Sub-stations may additionally or alternatively be temporally distinct from one another. For example, if a same machine is able to perform several tasks, such as by having a multi-functional head and / or interchangeable parts enabling, for example, a spraying ink step and a sewing step, the machine may be a spraying sub-station at least part of the time, and a sewing sub-station at least part of the time. There may even be overlap in the sub-stations, for example, if two distinct steps can be carried out simultaneously. For example, there may be partial or full overlap in the sewing and ink spraying step if these steps may be carried out at least partly simultaneously. Optionally, a workstation 34 may comprise a plurality of sub-stations of the same type, for carrying out the same task. This may beneficially allow parallel processing. For example, there may be a plurality of fabric-unwrapping sub-stations for unwrapping different fabrics simultaneously. This may allow multiple fabrics to be incorporated into the same garment, at least more rapidly compared to the same sub-station processing the fabrics sequentially. A non-exhaustive list of the garment manufacturing steps that can be carried out by a manufacturing workstation 34 and / or a work sub-station thereof includes: obtaining a length of fabric, unwrapping, such as unfolding, unrolling or unspooling at least part of the length of fabric, tensioning, optionally uncut, fabric to be in a taut or substantially taut condition, applying a cutting guide to the fabric, cutting the fabric according to the cutting guide, holding cut fabric, moving cut fabric between modules, tensioning the, optionally cut, fabric to be in a taut or substantially taut condition, connecting fabric together, applying at least one chemical, applying a non-chemical treatment, applying a finishing element by way of examples. Any number of modules 22 may be considered, including one, or at least two. In the case of one module, the workstation 34 of the single module may carry out all or any combination of the garment manufacturing steps. If there are a plurality of modules, all or at least two modules may be identical or non-identical. Two or more modules may carry out a same garment manufacturing step as each other. Two or more modules may carry out a different garment manufacturing step as each other. A plurality of modules may carry out a plurality of garment manufacturing steps, some or all of the garment manufacturing steps may be carried out by more than one module and / or some or all of the garment manufacturing steps may be carried out by only one module. Referring now to the assembly 12 illustrated in Figure 1, there are preferably two manufacturing modules 22, but additional modules may be considered. For clarity, the modules 22 may be referred to as a first manufacturing module or first module 22a, and a second manufacturing module or second module 22b. The first module 22a and the second module 22b each has a support structure 32 and a manufacturing workstation 34. The support structure 32a and the manufacturing workstation 34a of the first module 22a and the support structure 32b and the manufacturing workstation 34b of the second module 22b are the same or similar to the support structure 32 and the manufacturing workstation 34 of the representative module 22 described above. Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. The first module 22a preferably carries out at least one, and preferably all manufacturing steps from obtaining fabric to cutting fabric. In other words, the first module 22a carries out the steps of processing, preferably raw or uncut, fabric to produce cut fabric. For clarity, fabric cut into shapes destined to form part of the garment may be referred to as fabric panels. The first module 22a may also be referred to as a fabric processing module, for clarity. The second module 22b preferably carries out at least one, and preferably all the garment manufacturing steps relating assembling fabric into a finished garment. The second module 22b may be referred to as an assembly module or a finishing module for clarity. However, any of the modules 22 may have any and any number of work sub-stations. As such, any of the modules can carry out any or any combination of the garment manufacturing steps. Preferably, the second module 22b processes the fabric, and more preferably, the fabric panels, processed by first module 22a. The second module 22b is therefore preferably downstream of first module 22a in the manufacturing process. Preferably, the second module 22b is positioned or positionable above the first module 22a but this is optional. The modules and / or the support structures thereof may be integrally formed with each other but non-integrally formed is preferred. Preferably at least one of, and more preferably all the manufacturing workstations 34 are automated for carrying out the manufacturing steps, here the fabric processing step and / or fabric assembly step, automatically. Preferably, the manufacturing workstation 34a,34b of the first module 22a and / or of the second module 22b is at least partly within, and more preferably fully contained by the support structure 32a,32b of the corresponding module 22a,22b. In other words, the volume of a module 22 preferably fully contains the workstation 34 of the module 22. The manufacturing workstation 34a of the first module 22a has a fabric supply-management substation 40, a fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42, a fabric-stretching sub-station 44, a fabric-tensioning sub-station 46, and a fabric-cutting sub-station 48 but any of these sub-stations may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above sub-stations may be provided. Any of the above-mentioned sub-stations may be provided as part of the second module and / or of a further module. The workstation 34 may have any additional sub-station or sub-stations, such as a sub-station from the second module, to carry out one or more additional garment manufacturing steps, as required. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the fabric supply-management sub-station 40 in-use manages the supply of fabric or fabrics. The fabric supply-management sub-station 40 may store one or more fabric rolls until required for use. The fabric supply-management sub-station 40 may also supply one or more fabric rolls or part thereof to the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42, and / or remove from the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42 one or more fabric rolls or part thereof. Supplying and / or removal of fabric rolls from the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42 may require that the fabric supplymanagement sub-station 40 may be configured, adapted or able to move one or more fabric rolls. In the illustrated embodiment, the fabric supply-management sub-station 40 preferably comprises a fabric storage element 50. The fabric storage element 50, also referred to as a container, in-use stores fabric until the fabric is needed. The fabric storage element 50 illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 is in the form of an elongate storage rack, extending at least partly vertically. Preferably, the fabric storage element 50 has a shape and / or a dimension to enable at least one roll of fabric to be stored above another roll of fabric. An efficient use of the vertical space reduces the footprint of the fabric storage element 50, thereby enabling or increasing the compactness of the assembly 12. Each roll of fabric is also easily accessible. The fabric rolls 52 or at least the width of fabric of a roll may all be of a standard size. However, roll length or width of fabric on a standard-sized roll may be variable. To reduce fabric wastage, a roll of specific length and / or a fabric of specific width may be selected according to the type and / or size of garment to be created. Size of roll selection according to the garment may eliminate the need for nesting of fabric panels to reduce fabric wastage. The fabric storage element 50 may further include a roll-repositioning element and a roll-moving element, but either may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The roll-repositioning element in-use repositions one or more rolls within the fabric storage element 50. The roll-moving element in-use moves a roll of fabric between the fabric storage element 50 and another sub-station, such as the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42. The roll-repositioning element and / or roll-moving element may include any or any combination of: a conveyor belt arrangement, a chain arrangement, a, preferably motorised, actuator. The rollrepositioning element allows efficient handling, improved accessibility and organization of the fabric rolls in the fabric storage element 50. Optionally, once part or all the fabric of a roll has been used up, the fabric storage element 50 may also store partly or fully used-up rolls. This enables the partially or fully used up roll to be stored out of the way, until removal from the assembly 12. Having the fabric storage element 50 in a low or the lowest module 22 may further facilitate removal and restocking of rolls, at least compared to having a fabric storage element 50 in a higher module 22 which may not be or may be less accessible to a user. The fabric storage element 50 and any associated rolls being lower down also a reduced risk of injury to the user during maintenance, for example due to the reduced risk of a roll falling on the user. An alternative embodiment of a fabric storage element 50’ is shown in Figure 10. The alternative fabric storage element 50’ may comprise a storage rack or container in the form of or substantially of a wheel of rolls. The wheel-shaped rack may rotate around a rotational axis until the desired fabric roll is in a specific position, for example for supplying the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42 Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42 in-use unwraps or unwinds fabric. As the fabric in the illustrated embodiment is provided around an, optionally cylindrical, spool or shaft to form a roll, the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42 may be referred to as a fabric unspooling sub-station or an un-rolling sub-station. However, the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42 is also capable of unfolding fabric that is not provided wrapped around a shaft. Optionally the fabricunwrapping sub-station 42 may also be adapted, configured or able to wrap, roll, spool or fold fabric so that the fabric is compact and / or ready for storage. The fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42 may be able to wrap, roll, spool or fold fabric around a shaft and / or in the absence of a shaft. The fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42 may include a spool-rotating mechanism 54. The fabricunwrapping sub-station 42 may provide precise control over the speed and / or direction of rotation of the shaft. Optionally, the speed and / or direction are adjustable or selectable. The spool-rotating mechanism 54 includes a basal support 56, a motor element 58, and a force-transmission mechanism 60, but any of the above may be provided and / or a plurality of any of the above may be omitted. The basal support 56 in-use provides a support for the motor element 58 and / or the forcetransmission mechanism 60. The basal support 56 may be in the form of a housing, and / or support. The motor element 58 comprises a motor. The motor element 58, also referred to as an actuator, in-use imparts a rotational motion on the roll of fabric. The motor element 58 is preferably electrically powered, but non-electrically powered may be an option. The force-transmission mechanism 60 in-use transmits a force from the motor element 58 to the roll of fabric. The force-transmission mechanism 60 may include one or more gears, gear trains, a transmission belt, a shaft, any other suitable force-transmitting element, a plurality of any of the above, and any combination thereof. The components of the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42 may optionally be grouped in any or all of the following sub-assemblies: a power transmission sub assembly, gearing subassembly, a support and alignment subassembly and a base structure subassembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the force-transmission mechanism 60 includes a disc 62a, a key 62b, a first flange 62c, a second flange 62d, a gear62e, a coupling 62f, a support coupling 62g and a gear support 62h but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The disc 62a may be a flat, circular component often used for transmitting motion or force. It can be part of a system for coupling or connecting different parts. The key 62b may be a small, preferably rectangular, optionally metal, piece inserted between a shaft and a rotating component such as a gear to ensure that the shaft and rotating component rotate together. The first flange 62c may be a component with a protruding rim or collar received or receivable around the shaft or spool of the roll of fabric. The second flange 62d may be identical or similar to the first flange 62c. The rim or collar may be shorter than the rim or collar of the first flange 62c. The coupling 62f is a specific type of coupling which may be designed to transmit power or torque. Optionally, the coupling 62f may be an S100 coupling. The designation "S100" indicates a particular model and size. The shape and size of the coupling 62f may be selected specifically to prevent or inhibit inappropriate couplings from being used. Use of an inappropriate coupling may result in damage to mechanical parts and / or errors during manufacture. The support coupling 62g and the gear support 62h in-use may provide structural support to a gear, maintaining the gear’s proper position and alignment within the system. The power transmission sub-assembly may include the motor element, coupling, and shaft components responsible for transmitting power from the motor to other parts of the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42. The gearing subassembly may comprise gears arranged in specific configurations and include the disc and key components for connecting and synchronizing rotations. The support and alignment subassembly may include the flange shafts, support couplings, support gears, and other structural elements to ensure proper alignment and stability of the rotating components. The base structure subassembly may comprise the basal support and associated structures, providing a secure foundation for the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42. Referring now to Figures 13 and 14, the fabric-stretching sub-station 44 in-use stretches and / or spreads out fabric. As such the fabric-stretching sub-station 44 may alternatively be referred to as a fabric-spreading sub-station. The fabric-stretching sub-station 44 includes a fabric-stretching base 64a, a roller element 64b, and a hook element, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The fabric-stretching base 64a has a stretching surface 64ai, a roll-mover 64aii and one or more side brackets 64aiii, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of the any of the above may be provided. For example, the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42 may negate the need for a rollmover and / or one or more side brackets. The stretching surface 64ai is preferably planar, but non-planar may be envisioned. If provided, the roll-mover 64aii may enable the fabric roll to be moved along the fabric-stretching base 64a, such as away from and / or towards the roller element 64b. The roll-mover 64aii may include a mount onto which the fabric roll may be mounted and a mover mechanism. The mover mechanism may include one or more gears, belts, chains, motors, and any combination thereof. If provided, the side brackets 64aiii may prevent or inhibit lateral displacement of a length of fabric and / or of a roll. The side brackets 64aiii may also provide a support along which the roll-mover 64aii may move. The roller element 64b comprises at least one wheel or wheel-like element. The roller element 64b, and / or a wheel thereof may be formed of any material which does not damage the fabric. An example of such a material may be high-density polyethylene (HDPE), optionally with a rubber and / or foam coating. This material or combination of materials may be light, strong and / or may offer low friction. In other words, the roller element 64b and / or wheel thereof may have a smooth surface that avoids marking the fabric, which facilitates the sliding of the fabric along the stretching surface 64ai. The roller element 64b interacts with the stretching surface 64ai to stretch and / or spread out the fabric on the stretching surface 64ai. Preferably the fabric is stretched and / or spread by being pinned between the roller element 64b and the stretching surface 64ai. Optionally, the roller element 64b may be at least in part moveable relative to the stretching surface 64ai. For instance, the roller element 64b may be moved to increase and / or or decrease the distance between at least part of the roller element 64b and the stretching surface 64ai. The ability to select the distance may enable a force of greater or smaller magnitude to be applied to any fabric received between the roller element 64b and the stretching surface 64ai, to apply a selectable amount of pressure. Feeding fabric into a gap between the roller element 64b and the stretching surface 64ai may also be easier if the gap is larger. In the illustrated embodiment, the roller element 64b may be pivotable around an axis as indicated by Arrow A in Figure 13 between a non-operational condition or disengaged condition, as shown in Figure 13 and an operational condition or engaged condition, as shown in Figure 14, for ease of engagement with fabric. The roller element 64b may even be able to unwrap the fabric, such as by applying a pulling force on the fabric. The fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42 may be omitted entirely. Preferably however, the roller element 64b and / or wheel thereof is passively rotatable. As the fabric moves between the roller element 64b and the stretching surface 64ai, the roller element 64b may distribute tension evenly along the fabric. This may provide precise stretching control. The hook element in-use may help pull the fabric away from the roll. The hook element may also guide fabric towards and optionally into engagement with the fabric-tensioning sub-station 46. The fabric-tensioning sub-station 46 in-use holds fabric in a taut or substantially taut condition. The fabric-tensioning sub-station 46 may also be referred to as a fabric-clamping sub-station, or a fabricholding sub-station. The fabric-tensioning sub-station 46 and / or fabric-stretching sub-station 44 may beneficially apply and / or maintain fabric under a desired tension and / or in a desired position. Preferably, the tension on the fabric may be constant throughout the manufacturing process. Preferably the tension may also be distributed uniformly or evenly through the fabric. A uniform distribution of tension may eliminate or reduce wrinkling, warping and / or tearing during the stretching process. Optionally, the assembly 12 or at least the fabric-tensioning sub-station 46 thereof may be able to apply adaptive control of the tension. The control system 26 may be able to automatically adjust the tension applied according to the type of fabric. Optionally, the tension can be adjusted as a means to control the processing speed. The tension may also be adjusted to prevent fabric from shifting or drifting sideways during manufacturing. The fabric-tensioning sub-station 46 may have a clamping element 66 for clamping fabric. Figures 15 and 16 illustrated the clamping element 66 more clearly. The clamping element 66 may also be referred to a as a gripper. Preferably, the clamping element 66 is elongate. An elongate, preferably linear, pneumatic clamping element 66 may be or be substantially complementary to the edge of the fabric. Thus, the fabric may simply slide along and into engagement with the clamping element 66. There may be at least a plurality of clamping elements 66. The clamping elements 66 may be opposed to each other. This may enable a clamping element 66 to grip or clamp opposite edges of fabric as shown in Figure 14. The clamping element 66 is preferably pneumatic. In other words, the clamping element 66 uses air to apply a force to fabric. The pneumatic clamping element 66 may optionally include at least one inflatable cushion or balloon 66a, a clamp body 66b but no cushion may be envisioned, for example, using a suction force alone. More preferably, the pneumatic clamping element 66 may include at least two, opposed inflatable cushions 66a for enabling fabric to be clamped between the opposed inflatable cushions, as best shown in Figure 16. In Figure 16, the fabric is illustrated as a dashed line. The or each inflatable cushion may be inflated and / or deflated by at least one and preferably a plurality of air holes or air ports 66c. There are preferably at least 10, at least 15, more preferably at least 20, and most preferably 21 air holes 66c on either side of the clamp body 66b. As such that there may be at least 20, 30, 40 or, most preferably 42 air holes 66c in total, but any alternative number, including none, one, at least two air holes, such as three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine air holes or per cushion and / or per pneumatic clamping element may be envisioned. Optionally, there may be more than two cushions in total. Optionally, a cushion may be associated with each air hole. There may be 42 cushions for example. The air holes 66c may be connected to an air-manipulating device, not shown, such as a compressor, or a pump. The air holes 66c may allow air into a cushion, and / or out of the cushion. A plurality of holes 66c enable a better distribution and / or strength of the air pressure changes, such as high pressure and / or suction. The localised changes in air pressure provide more precise control over fabric clamping. An alternative clamping element 66’ is illustrated in Figures 17 and 18. Instead of cushions, the alternative clamping element 66’ relies on air suction and / or air expulsion to hold the fabric in a certain position via air pressure. The alternative clamping element 66’ may have a plurality of air ports 66c’. Optionally, each air port 66c’ may be independently controlled. Alternatively, the alternative clamping element 66’ may optionally be formed as a manifold. As such, the airflow in all air ports may be identical or substantially identical. All air ports 66c’ may alternatively provide blowing or air projection. For example, one side of the clamping element may apply suction whilst the other side may apply blowing. However, all air ports of both manifolds may all provide suction or all blow air out. Although only four air ports 66c’ per manifold are shown, each manifold may have any number of air ports, such as one, at least two, or preferably twenty. A plurality of air ports 66c’ may enable localised, micro adjustments of air pressure. The air ports 66c’ may be evenly distributed along the manifold. The use of the alternative clamping element 66’ is described as follows. In the first manifold, air may be injected through an entry port of the manifold, generating an initial pressure. This injected air is distributed to the air ports 66c’ of the first manifold. Air blown out or exhausted through the air ports 66c’ applies pressure on the fabric. This may achieve a controlled and uniform tension. Optionally, the second manifold may receive the air expelled from the first manifold via the air ports 66c’ of the second manifold. The received air may be is redirected and optionally concentrated to be expelled through a single outlet port of the second manifold, generating negative air compression. This concentration of air flow allows for greater efficiency in the application of tension on the fabric. In a further alternative clamping element, not shown, no cushions are provided. The clamping element may work by means of the air flow generated through at least one and preferably a plurality of holes, such as 20 on each side. When activated, the air flow creates a pressure that grips the fabric evenly, pressing the fabric against the stretching surface and / or against a surface of a conveyor belt allowing the fabric to stretch, contributing significantly to maintaining the proper tension during the stretching process. Referring now to Figure 19, the fabric-cutting sub-station 48 in-use cuts one or more shapes in the fabric. The cut out fabric shapes may be referred to as fabric panels for clarity. The fabric-cutting sub-station 48 includes a guide element 68a and a cutting element 68b, but either of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. In Figure 19, the fabric is clamped by the pneumatic clamping elements 66. The guide element 68a provides a pattern or cutting guide. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide element 68a includes as a light-emitting element which projects a light or light pattern on the fabric. Any alternative to a light-emitting element may be considered, such as a drawing head which can applying markings such as in ink, pencil, or chalk onto the fabric. The cutting element 68b may include a blade, or any sharp implement capable of cutting fabric. In an alternative embodiment, the fabric-cutting sub-station 48 and / or the cutting element thereof may include a laser for cutting fabric. Optionally, the assembly 12 may comprise a discard sub-station, not shown. The discard sub-station may remove or discard the remaining fabric after the one or more panels have been cut. In a preferred embodiment, the discard sub-station may include a conveyor belt with a pneumatic arrangement. The pneumatic arrangement may hold the remaining fabric against the conveyor belt to prevent or inhibit the remaining fabric being accidentally picked up when the fabric panels are removed. After removal of the fabric panels, such as by the movable element 28 of the transfer means 20, the excess, remaining material may be moved to a desired location, such as the end of the fabric-cutting sub-station 48, and / or in a bin. The excess fabric may be stored until removal, such as during maintenance carried out on the assembly 12. The fabric panels are preferably picked up by the movable element 28 of the transfer means 20 as shown in Figure 20, here using suction, but a pincer movement of the fingers could additionally or alternatively be envisioned. The second module 22b has a support structure 32b and a manufacturing workstation 34b, similarly to the representative module 22. Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. The manufacturing workstation 34b of the second module 22b is omitted in Figure 1 for clarity but is shown in Figures 21 and 22. Optionally, the second module 22b may have transfer means, similar to the first module 22a. Alternatively, the second module 22b may share a common transfer means or part thereof with at least one other module, here the first module. The support structures 32 of the first module 22a and second module 22b are stackably engageable or engaged with one another to form a stack. The workstation 34 of the second module 22b comprises a panel-holding frame 70, a frame support 72, a head 74, and a head support 76, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The panel-holding frame 70 in-use holds one or more fabric panels, preferably in a taut or substantially taut condition. In other words, the panel-holding frame 70 stretches out the fabric panels received from a module upstream in the manufacturing process, here the first module 22a. The panel-holding frame 70 may be rotatably movable around a central axis. Alternatively or, preferably, additionally, the panel-holding frame 70 may linearly ortranslatably movable. The panelholding frame 70 may be translatably movable along at least one axis, and more preferably along a plurality of axes. Thus, the panel-holding frame 70 is preferably movable in three axes as well as being rotatable around an axis of rotation. The panel-holding frame 70 is illustrated here as being circular or generally circular in plan view but non-circular may be envisioned. The panel-holding frame 70 may have a plurality of frame elements 70a. The frame elements 70a may interact together to form a clamping element. One of the frame elements 70a, preferably the in-use lower frame element, may be referred to as a bed. Optionally, the clamping element formed by the frame elements 70a may be a pneumatic clamping element, similar or identical to the pneumatic clamping element 66,66’ of the fabric-tensioning substation 46. There may be at least one, and more preferably two elongate cushions opposing each other to clamp fabric therebetween. Alternatively, one or each frame element 70a may be provided with at least one, and more preferably a plurality of cushions. The inflation of each cushion may be independently controllable or controlled. The frame support 72 in-use supports the panel-holding frame 70. The frame support 72 is configured to control the movement of the panel-holding frame 70. The frame support 72 includes an axial-displacement mechanism 78 and a rotational-movement mechanism 80, but either may be omitted and / or a plurality of either may be provided. The axial-displacement mechanism 78 includes an actuator element 78a, an actuator-engaging element 78b, and a positioning element 78c but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. In the illustrated embodiment the actuator element 78a includes a screw or trapezoidal threaded rod 82, and a motor 84 but either may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The actuator-engaging element 78b preferably includes a body having a recess or aperture therein, complementarily engageable with the screw 82. The positioning element 78c in-use provides a support or framework for positioning the actuator element 78a and actuator-engaging element 78b and enabling the actuator element 78a and actuator-engaging element 78b to co-operate to be able to move the panel-holding frame 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning element 78c may have a base 86a, one or more pillars 86b, one or more guiding rods 86c, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The base 86a and pillar or pillars 86b may form a platform, frame or framework together for providing a support to all other components of the workstation 34. The or each rod 86c may be elongate and rigid. The or each rod 86c may serve as a guide for specific movements along axes, preferably X-axis, Y-axis and Z- axis. Rotation imparted by the motor 84 to the screw 82 causes the screw 82 to rotate within the actuatorengaging element 78b. As the positioning element 78c holds the screw 82 in a fixed location or position, rotation of the screw 82 forces the actuator-engaging element 78b to move along an axis of the screw 82 instead. In other words, the screw or trapezoidal threaded rod 82 converts rotational motion into linear motion. A screw 82 beneficially provides precise control of the position and rate of movement of the actuator-engaging element 78b. The position of the actuator-engaging element 78b can also be selected from a continuous range of positions. Preferably, the illustrated frame support 72 has a plurality of axial-displacement mechanisms 78. The axial-displacement mechanisms 78 extend along axes which may be orthogonal to each other. The axes may be any or any combination of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, but any alternative axis may be envisioned, such as a diagonally extending axis. The axial-displacement mechanisms 78 may be referred to as X-axial-displacement mechanism 78, a Y-axial-displacement mechanism 78 and / or a Z-axial-displacement mechanism 78. Optionally, the positioning elements 78c of at least two said axial-displacement mechanisms 78 may be connected to one another and / or a single positioning element 78c may be provided in common to a plurality of axial-displacement mechanisms 78. It may even be that the support structure 32 of the second module 22b, and the frame support 72 and / or a head support 76, or any part of either may be one and the same. Similarly to the axial-displacement mechanisms 78 above, the rotational-movement mechanism 80 may include a positioning element, an actuator element 80a, and an actuator-engaging element. The positioning element 78c of the rotational-movement mechanism 80 may be referred to as a bearing for clarity. The bearing is complementarily engageable with the panel-holding frame 70, and more preferably the bed thereof. Part of the panel-holding frame 70 may be seated or seatable at, such as in or on the bearing. The size and / or shape of the bearing may match the size and / or shape of the panel-holding frame 70. Thus, the bearing may be circular in plan view. The bearing may optionally include a lubricant and / or ball-bearings. The actuator element 80a, and the actuator-engaging element of the rotational-movement mechanism 80 are preferably similar or identical to the actuator element 78a, and actuator-engaging element 78b of the axial-displacement mechanisms 78. Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. The head 74, more clearly shown in Figure 23, in-use may have one or more of a plurality of functions. A first function is connecting panels together, such as by sewing. More preferably, the head 74 may be used to sew panels of fabric together. The head 74 may alternatively or additional be used to sew closure elements, such as a button, or a zip; or finishing touches, such as decorative elements, like sequins, a haptic element for providing haptic feedback, a digital and / or electronic wearable element, such as a tag, user identification, security pass, onto a garment. A second function is to apply one or more chemicals to one or more panels of fabric. The chemical or chemicals may be a colouring, an adhesive, or bleach for example. The colouring may be ink. The ink may be applied so as to form a picture and / or a word. The ink may be applied in a non-uniform manner and / or uniformly. An adhesive may bond panels together, instead of or in addition to sewing. The bleach may be applied to provide a fashionable damaged appearance to clothing. A third function is to apply a non-chemical treatment to one or more panels of fabric. For example, the head 74 may have a heat-emitting element. The head 74 may have at least one of: a sewing needle, a sewing means, a supply of thread, a chemical- dispensing means, a supply of a chemical, a non-chemical treatment element, a finishing element applicator and any combination thereof, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The supply of thread may be stored in one or more thread holders 88. Here, four such thread holders 88 are shown. If the head 74 is able to carry out of a plurality of functions, whether simultaneously or serially, the head may be referred to as a multi-functional head 74. It is of course understood that there may be a plurality of heads, each head be able to carry out only a single function. The multi-functional head 74 may have a plurality of compartments and / or parts of the head 74 may be interchangeable. For example, the head 74 may have a plurality of compartments which store one or more needles each. Optionally, the head 74 may have a needle exchanger which can selectively allow access to a specific compartment. The multi-functional head 74 is movable relative to the support structure 32 and / or relative to the panel-holding frame 70 but non-movable, such as fixed, may be an option. The multi-functional head 74 is movable in at least one and preferably at least three axial directions. The axial direction or directions may be one or more of the X-axis, the Y-axis and the Z-axis. Thus, the head 74 may be moved towards or away from the panel-holding frame 70. The head 74 may also be moved to a range of positions horizontally. Optionally, the head 74 may be rotatable. The head support 76, in-use supports the head 74. The head support 76 is configured to control the movement of the head 74. The head support 76 may include an axial-displacement mechanism and a rotational-movement mechanism, but either may be omitted and / or a plurality of either may be provided. The axial-displacement mechanism and / or the rotational-movement mechanism of the head support 76 are similar or identical to the axial-displacement mechanism 78 and / or the rotational-movement mechanism 80 of the frame support 72. Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. The head 74 having one or more of: three-axis motion capability, rotational capability, and tool change may allow sewing in multiple directions simultaneously and / or greater precision on sewing. Multiple directions and / or greater precision may result in more complex and creative sewing patterns that cannot be achieved with conventional sewing machines. Preferably, the workstation 34 includes a plurality of heads 74 which may form one or more pairs, and optionally a head support 76 corresponding to each head. A plurality of heads 74 may enable tasks to be carried out in parallel with each other. The fabric panel or panels may ideally be held substantially planar or taut to enable multiple heads 74 to interact with the fabric panels simultaneously. The heads 74 of a pair may optionally be movable and / or operated synchronously or independently of each other. Preferably, the heads 74 may be opposed to each other. The heads 74 may optionally be positioned on either side of the panel-holding frame 70. Beneficially, the heads 74 may even cooperate with each other. For example, if the pair of heads 74 have sewing means, the sewing means may co-operate with each other to sew one or more fabric panels. The threads from both heads may interlock with each other in the fabric. The head 74 preferably further includes at least one threader 90. The threader 90 in-use enables automatic threading of a sewing needle. An exemplary threader 90 is illustrated in Figure 24. Figures 25A to 25E show close-up representations of part of the threader 90 in-use, threading a needle. A thread positioner 90a holds an end of thread in Figure 25A, biased into position by a biasor, here a spring. In Figure 25B, a needle is inserted into a needle positioner 90b. The needle positioner 90b automatically positions the eye of the needle in alignment with the end of the thread held by the thread positioner 90a. In Figure 25C, the biasing force of the biasor is opposed such that the thread positioner 90a and / or at least the end of the thread is inserted through the eye of the needle. The threaded needle is removed from the threader 90 in Figure 25D. The thread is removed from the threader 90 Figure 25E. In the illustrated Figures 25A to 25E, a user is manually opposing the biasor. However, it could easily be envisioned, and indeed may be preferable, that the assembly 12 automatically controls the biasor, such as via a robotic finger The biasor or even the threader 90 may even be omitted entirely if the assembly 12 is able to precisely control the positions of the end of the thread and of the needle. A set of automated steps to thread the needle may be envisioned. Referring to Figure 26, the sensing system 24 in-use enables the assembly 12 to sense or measure at least one value of one or more parameters or physical characteristics. The sensing system 24 may enable the assembly 12 to carry out quality control, and more preferably automated quality control. The sensing system 24 may even be able, via the control system 26, to control and / or alter the value of a parameter or physical characteristic as will be described hereinafter. The sensing system 24 of the assembly 12 includes at least one sensor 92, circled in Figure 26 for clarity. Whilst there may be only one sensor in the whole assembly 12, preferably the assembly 12 may have a plurality of sensors 92 may be provided. Optionally, each or at least one said manufacturing module 22 may have at least one sensor 92. The, each or at least one sensor 92 may be communicable with the control system 26. The sensor 92 may be sensing continuously or non-continuously. Non-continuous sensing may be regular, such as periodic, but non periodic may be an option. The sensor 92 may only be sensing at specific time periods and / or during a certain action or task. For example, a sensor 92 may only be operational when a specific sub-station is operational. The sensor or sensors 92 may be any or any combination of: a vision sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a proximity sensor, a weight sensor, a load sensor, an acceleration sensor, a vibration sensor, a torque sensor, an optical density sensor, doppler ultrasound sensor, a compression sensor, a bending sensor, an angular positioning sensor, a tensile force sensor, a friction sensor, a thread count sensor, a cutting tool wear sensor, any further sensor, a plurality of any of the above, and any combination of any of the above. The vision sensors may include one or more cameras and / or computer vision systems. The vision sensors may in-use detect fabric patterns, position and cut fabrics, and control seam quality and design. Vision may be based on visible light and / or light outside of the visible spectrum, such as infra-red and / or ultraviolet light. In Figure 26, the illustrated sensor 92 is a camera. The pressure and / or force sensor can measure a force applied to a fabric and / or stitching. The pressure and / or force sensor can measure the tension so that the assembly 12 may check that the tension of fabric is correct. The temperature and / or humidity sensors may measure, and optionally control via the control system, a value of the temperature. The temperature measured may be the ambient temperature within the assembly 12 and / or a module 22 thereof. The temperature measured may be the temperature of part of the assembly 12 such as a machine, mechanism. The temperature may be measured during processing. Monitoring the temperature of part of the assembly 12 during processing may reduce or eliminate the risk of accidental temperature damage to fabrics and / or components. The proximity sensor may detect the position and / or movement of part of the assembly 12. The position and / or movement may be measured during a specific process and / or during a plurality of processes. The weight sensor may measure weight, for example, to estimate a quantity of fabric being used for a garment, estimate the amount of fabric remaining on a roll, or estimate a quantity of thread. The weight sensor may monitor, and optionally via the control system, control the supply of fabric and / or threads. The weight sensor may ensure that there is enough material to complete each garment. The load sensor may monitor the load and / or resistance of motors and mechanical components of the assembly 12. This may beneficially prevent or inhibit overloading and / or excessive wear. The acceleration and / or vibration sensors may monitor, and optionally control via the control system, vibration and / or unwanted movement of machinery. This may beneficially contribute to safer and more efficient operation. The torque sensor may monitor torque on rotating components. An optical density sensor may measure the density of a fabric as the fabric passes through a specific point. Knowledge of fabric density may allow precise control of the amount of material used. A doppler ultrasound sensor may monitor, and optionally control via the control system, the speed of moving machine elements. Speed control may enable uniform fabric transport. The compression and / or bending sensors may detect deformation in a mechanical part of the machine. Optionally, the compression and / or bending sensors may, via the control system, allow adjustment, optionally in real-time, to prevent damage to the part and / or fabric. This may enable greater accuracy during manufacture. The angular positioning sensor may monitor, and optionally control via the control system, the positioning and / or orientation of moving parts. This may be beneficial in robotic manipulation of fabric and / or sewing manipulation systems. The tensile force sensor may measure and, optionally control via the control system, a tensile force exerted when pulling a fabric through a machine. Monitoring and optionally controlling tension may enable correct tension to be applied to fabric, thereby preventing or inhibiting damage and / or ensuring fabric panels are connected to each other in the correct location. The friction sensor may monitor or evaluate the friction between moving parts and / or between moving parts and fabric. Friction monitoring may be beneficial to enable smooth operation of machinery. The thread count sensor may monitor, and optionally control via the control system, the number of threads used in a seam or pattern. This may improve consistency and / or quality in production. The cutting tool wear sensor may monitor the wear of one or more cutting element, such as any blades and / or tools used in cutting processes. Upon detecting wear, the assembly 12 may replace the relevant part and / or emit an alert for timely replacement of fabric and / or thread. Referring now to Figure 27, the control system 26 in-use controls all or at least one of: the garment manufacturing system 10, the or a said assembly 12, a module 22, and a part of a module 22. The control system 26 may include a system-level controller, an assembly-level controller 26a, and a module-level controller 26b but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. If the hierarchy includes additional layers or levels, additional level controllers corresponding to the additionally layers may be provided. Furthermore, whilst the control system 26 includes a hierarchy of controllers, it may easily be envisioned that there may be no hierarchy. For example, the control system may centrally control all or a plurality of components at different levels. Any controller may be in communication with any other controller, directly and / or indirectly. Any of the controllers may enable an assembly 12 to be in communication with one or more telecommunications device 14. The telecommunications device 14 may have a software application installed thereupon. In other words, the telecommunications device 14 may have an API. The user may thus be able to access the or a said assembly 12 via their phone, and optionally via the API. If provided, the system-level controller controls the garment manufacturing system 10. The systemlevel controller may be referred to as an inter-assembly controller. The system-level controller may be communicable with the assembly-level controller 26a and / or the module-level controller 26b. The system-level controller may enable communication between assemblies 12. The assembly-level controller 26a may be referred to as a primary controller, an intra-assembly controller, or a global controller. The assembly-level controller 26a in-use controls an assembly. The assembly-level controller 26a is communicable with the, each or at least one module-level controller 26b of a module 22. The module-level controller 26b may be referred to as a secondary controller or a local controller. The module-level controller 26b in-use controls a module 22 and / or any part thereof, such as the workstation or a sub-station. Referring now to Figure 28, the control system 26 and / or any controller thereof includes a processing unit 94a, a memory unit 94b, a communications unit 94c, an alarm unit 94d, a blockchain unit 94e, and an artificial intelligence unit 94f, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. Additional units may be envisioned. The processing unit or portion 94a, also referred to as the logic unit, in-use processes one or more inputs and / or emits one or more outputs. The processing unit 94a is preferably communicable with all or any combination of: the memory unit 94b, the communications unit 94c, the alarm unit 94d, the blockchain unit 94e, and the artificial intelligence unit 94f. The processing unit 94a may include a programmable logic controller or PCB, by way of example. The or a said input may be data from any or any combination of: a sensor, another unit of the same controller, another controller, a telecommunications device, a workstation, a work sub-station, a transfer means, and any other part or component of the garment manufacturing system 10. The or a said output may be data outputted to any or any combination of: a sensor, another unit of the same controller, another controller, a telecommunications device, a workstation, a work sub-station, a transfer means, and any other part or component of the garment manufacturing system 10. An output may be a software command, such as a command to one or more of: a workstation 34, a work substation, part of the sub-station, and a sensor 92 by way of examples only. The memory unit or portion 94b in-use stores data, optionally in the form of a database. The memory unit 94b may include a hard drive, by way of example. The stored data may include one or more values of a parameter or physical characteristic. These stored values may for example provide a reference, such as an acceptable values and / or range of values. Data measured by one or more sensors may be compared against the reference data stored in the memory unit 94b. The processing unit 94a may accordingly take a decision as to whether a measured value is acceptable. The processing unit 94a may optionally emit an output as a result of the decision. The stored data may also include design data, in other words, data relating to one or more designs. For example, the design data may include a garment type, a pattern for producing fabric panels, a size, dimensions, fabric type, colour, an image, a logo, a word, manufacturing instructions, treatment instructions, user selection, customisation options, by way of examples only. The memory unit 94b may store data corresponding to a range of designs. The designs may be uploaded to the garment manufacturing system 10 and / or to an assembly 12 thereof by one or more designers. Upload of data may be done remotely, such as via a said telecommunications device 14. Upload of data may be simultaneously or substantially simultaneously to a plurality of assemblies 12. This may enable designers to launch a design, collection or line of clothing in several locations at once. The communications unit or portion 94c in-use enables the communication between any parts of one or more of: the garment manufacturing system 10, the or a said assembly 12, and the or a said module 22. Communication between any parts of the garment manufacturing system 10 may be wired or wireless. For example, the communications unit 94c enables communication with the telecommunications device 14. The communications unit 94c may include one or more of: a receiver, an emitter, a transceiver, a plurality of any of the above, and any combination of the above. The communications unit 94c may include one or more of: an internet sub-unit, a Wi-Fi (RTM) sub-unit, a Bluetooth (RTM) sub-unit, an NFC sub-unit, any sub-unit suitable for a further communications channel, a plurality of any of the above, and a combination thereof. The alarm unit or portion 94d may in-use emit an alarm or alert. An alert may be emitted if a value for a parameter is detected by the sensing system 24, the value being deemed abnormal by the processing unit 94a. For example, the temperature sensor may measure a temperature value indicative of a fire. The alarm unit 94d may correspondingly emit an alert to a third party indicative of a fire. In another example, the processing unit 94a may determine that a re-supply of fabric and / or thread is or will be required, such as imminently or at a specific time and / or date in the future. An alert may be emitted to order a re-supply. The alarm unit 94d may include an auditory siren, an alarm light-emitting element, any other suitable means for emitting an alert, a plurality of any of the above, and any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the alarm unit 94d may emit an alert to a telecommunications device, such as an email, a text, or a phone call by way of examples only. The blockchain unit or portion 94e in-use may log data in a ledger using blockchain. The blockchain unit 94e may for example increase traceability of fabrics used to supply the assembly 12 and / or traceability of garments. The blockchain unit 94e may also be used to track provenance and / or usage of a design. This may enable enforcement of IP rights, such as a registered design. Whenever a user selects a designer’s design and a garment is made to that selected design, the blockchain unit 94e may ensure that the designer perceives royalties due. The artificial intelligence unit or portion 94f, also referred to as an Al unit, may in-use augment the ability of the control system 26 to carry predict re-supplying and / or demand, for example by learning consumer patterns from the data. Additionally or alternatively, the artificial intelligence unit 94f in-use may augment the ability of the control system 26 to carry out quality control. For instance, the artificial intelligence unit 94f is communicable with the sensing system 24 or at least one sensor 92 thereof. The sensor 92 may optionally be a camera. Based on an input from the sensor 92, the artificial intelligence unit 94f may be configured to, adapted to, or able to detect an error in a manufacturing step. The artificial intelligence unit 94f may decide whether the error needs to be corrected, and if so, how the error should be corrected. The artificial intelligence unit 94f may, optionally via the processing unit 94a, emit a corrective command to the manufacturing workstation 34 and / or a sub-station thereof to rectify the error. This enables automated quality control. As quality control may occur in real time, the error may be corrected in real time. Real-time corrections allow consistency in the finished garment, reputability, and may reduce waste by avoiding the need for the garment to be discarded. Thus, the artificial intelligence unit 94f may be configured to control a, preferably automated, manufacturing workstation 34. Examples of quality control include the following scenarios. A sensor 92 may record that two fabric panels are in the process of being sewn together incorrectly. The artificial intelligence unit 94f may detect the error and emit a command to the workstation 34 and / or sub-station thereof. The command may result in the workstation and / or sub-station unsewing the two fabric panels, repositioning the head 74 and / or the fabric panels before correctly re-sewing the garments together. In another example, a sensor 92 may record that an image has been incorrectly sprayed on a fabric panel, for example, due to a fold in the fabric panel. The artificial intelligence unit 94f may detect the error and determine whether the image can be resprayed correctly over the incorrect image, or whether the fabric panels need to be discarded entirely, with part or all of the manufacturing done a second time. The artificial intelligence unit 94f may even implement a solution and determine whether the implemented solution was successful or not such that the Al may learn, further improving quality control. In-use, referring to Figure 29, an assembly 12 is installed in a desired location, such as airports, museums, shopping centres, shops, artistic venues, stadiums, by ways of examples only. The assembly 12 may be assembled in situ. Alternatively, if the assembly 12 is portable, the assembly 12 may be fully or partly assembled away from its final location before being moved to the final location. The assembly 12 is stocked with all or at least one of: a fabric roll or rolls, thread, one or more chemicals, any other consumable, as required. Optionally, the assembly 12 may be made to be communicable with the telecommunications device 14. Optionally, another assembly 12 may be installed, in the substantially same location or elsewhere. Thus, a garment manufacturing system 10 may be installed, comprising one or more assemblies 12 and / or a telecommunications device 14 in addition to at least one assembly 12. Optionally, any module 22, such as the first module 22a and / or the second module 22b, or even any part thereof, may be provided in isolation. The module 22 may need to be suitable for a clothing manufacturing assembly 12 as above described. For example, the user may already have part of an assembly 12 but may be missing a module 22 and / or the module 22 may need to be replaced, for example for maintenance or due to damage. Alternatively, a user may want to source a specific module 22 for customisability and / or according to garment manufacturing task required, and consequently, the workstation 34 associated with the module 22. For example, the workstation 34 may need to be able to do one or more of the following tasks: sewing, cutting, printing. The head 74 or any part thereof may be provided individually. To assemble an assembly 12, the user obtains at least one, and preferably a plurality of modules 22. A module 22, preferably the second module 22b, is provided above or positioned on top of another module 22, preferably the first module 22a. If any further modules 22 are provided and / or required, the one or more further modules 22 may be provided above or positioned on top of the first module 22a and / or second module 22b. The modules 22 are made to form a stack. This enables the footprint of the assembly to be reduced. If required, the transfer means 20 or part thereof may need to be associated, connected or engaged with one or more of the stacked modules 22. Once the assembly 12 is an assembled condition or operational condition, it can be used to manufacture clothing. Modules 22 may optionally be secured together via engagement means, if not already integrally formed together. In one example use case, a user provides data about themselves. The data may be measurements of their body. Additionally or alternatively, the user may provide two-dimensional data or three-dimensional about their body, as per Step S10. The data may be inputted via the telecommunications device 14. Two-dimensional data may include one or more photos or images for example. Three-dimensional data may include a three-dimensional image, model or cloud of points. The user may provide a three-dimensional body scan of part or all their body. The scan may optionally be produced by their telecommunications device 14. The garment manufacturing system 10 and / or an assembly 12 thereof creates a profile corresponding to the user at Step S12. The profile may include the body data. The assembly 12 may optionally be able to produce only one specific design garment. Preferably however, an assembly 12 may provide a choice of designs for a user from which to select a design. The user selects a particular design at Step S14. The design preferably includes at least data relating to the fabric panel shapes, in other words, the pattern. The pattern is preferably digital but analogue, such as a paper pattern, may be envisioned. A digital pattern allows flexibility, scalability, sustainability, customisability as they can be easily adapted and modified using software tools without the need to recreate the pattern from scratch. Manipulation and adjustment of a digital pattern is more efficient, thereby speeding up the design and production process. Collaboration may be enhanced, as digital patterns can be shared instantly and / or without geographic limitations, facilitating remote collaboration between designers and manufacturers. In addition, the ability to store and organize patterns digitally may contribute to more efficient and accessible information management. The range of designs may be provided by one or more designers at Step S16. The designer may be from a community of designers. A design may, for example launch a new collection of designs simultaneously across a range of locations via the garment manufacturing system 10. Optionally, there may be a digital integration with a digital space, such as the metaverse, to manufacture digital designs within the digital space, directly to the assembly 12. The design may be obtained from fashion brands, fashion designers, or creative designers who wish to have their designs available for use by the invention and commercial purposes. The designer may subscribe to a digital community platform. The platform may be communicable, such as a via a website and / or the software application, to provide new designs to the user. Advantageously, amateur designers may have the opportunity to access manufacturing and direct-to-customer retailing through the garment manufacturing system 10 and / or an assembly 12 thereof without having to work with existing big manufacturers, retailers, and labels. The barrier to participation in the marketplace for amateur designers is reduced. Optionally, the user may be able to customise their garment at Step S18. The assembly 12 may provide a choice of customisable features, such as fabric material or materials, images, colours, logos, or finishing elements. The user may pay for their garment prior to receiving the finished product. Optionally, the garment manufacturing system 10 may be able to electronically adjust the design based on the body data of the user to improve the fit of the garment. The garment manufacturing system 10 may even display the selected garment overlaid onto the body data, to provide an illustration, optionally in real time, of the user wearing the garment. The user can see, optionally in real time, the design on their body and / or the effect of customisation options prior to the physical garment being made. The manufacturing process starts. One or more of the workstations 34 of the assembly 12 may carry out at least one, and preferably all garment manufacturing steps. Partial or full automation reduces or eliminates the number of steps carried out manually. Automation may increase the speed of manufacturing a garment. An assembly 12 may be available at anytime and requires no rest breaks. Consistency and accuracy may be increased. Errors in manufacturing may be reduced. As an automated workstation 34 does not require additional space to accommodate a human, the volume of a module 22 can be reduced to the minimum volume required to accommodate the workstation 34 horizontally and / or vertically, thereby further increasing the compactness of the assembly 12. If required, the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42 is provided fabric from the fabric supplymanagement sub-station 40. The transfer means 20 and / or part of the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42 may optionally move the fabric into position in the fabric-unwrapping sub-station 42. The appropriate fabric may need to be selected a range of fabrics. The sensing system 24 may assist with fabric selection, optionally via the control system 26. The unwrapping sub-station unwraps a required length of fabric. Once the relevant length has been obtained, the roll may remain in place until it is next required. Alternatively, the roll may be removed from the unwrapping sub-station. The roll and optionally any remaining fabric may be moved back to the fabric supply-management sub-station 40. To determine the length of remaining fabric on the roll, the control system 26 may apply the following ?r■■■■ dr) £ -——--- formula________________ where D is the outside diameter of the roll, d is the inside diameter of the roll or spool diameter, t is the material thickness and L is the roll length. The diameters and thickness may be obtained from measurements taken by the sensing system 24. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing system 24 may weigh the roll and determine the remaining length, based on knowledge of the fabric properties and shaft weight. If the control system 26 determines that the fabric supply-management sub-station 40 needs restocking, whether at present or by a specific time and date in the future, such as based upon an input from the sensing system 24, an alert may be emitted. The alert may include, for example, sending a message to a pre-determined mobile device, via internet, 5G, such as mail, WhatsApp or other communication networks, such as a text message, optionally within information about the fabric, such as the required type, colour and / or amount of fabric and optionally a link to schedule the replenishment. The fabric-stretching sub-station 44 may stretch and / or spread out the unwrapped fabric at Step S20. This may involve the roller element 64b being moved into position, such as via rotation around its axis. The fabric is moved and spread out or stretched on the stretching surface 64ai by the roller element 64b. The fabric-tensioning sub-station 46 may be positioned such that the fabric spread out by the fabricstretching sub-station 44 may be automatically fed into or enter the fabric-tensioning sub-station 46, and more preferably, the clamping elements 66 thereof. The fabric is clamped at Step S22. If the clamping elements 66 include one or more cushions, the cushion or cushions may be inflated. A pneumatic clamp reduces or eliminates the risk of the clamping element damaging the fabric. Optionally the transfer means 20, which is preferably a manipulator robot, may reposition fabric at any point of the manufacturing process, if required. The transfer means 20 may move fabric between sub-stations. If the fabric is not clamped and / or stretched adequately, the fabric may be re-clamped and / or re-stretched, as required. Once suitably clamped, the pattern generation may begin at Step S24. This may involve applying a pattern to the clamped fabric. Here, this involves shining a light to form shapes upon the clamped fabric. At the fabric-cutting sub-station 48, the cutting element 68b follows the pattern and cuts out shapes in the fabric at Step S26, thereby forming fabric panels. The fabric panels are moved to the assembly sub-station. This may involve being transported by the transfer means 20 to the second module in the present embodiment. The transfer means 20, here a robotic arm, may grip or hold, such as via fingers and / or suction, the fabric panels. If an elevator is provided, the fabric panels at least, and optionally the movable element 28 may be lifted to the second module 22b by the elevator 30b. The fabric panels are positioned, such as by the transfer means 20 between the frame elements 70a of the panel-holding frame 70. The fabric panels are clamped by the frame elements 70a, optionally by pneumatic clamping elements. The panel-holding frame 70 and head 74 or heads 74 are moved relative to each other, by at least one frame support 72 and / or at least one head support 76. The head 74 or heads 74 connect the fabric panels together, preferably by sewing, as per Step S28. Chemicals may be sprayed, as required. Any non-chemical treatments may be applied. Any finishing touches may be applied, as per Step S30. For example, the garment may be provided with a haptic element and / or a digital and / or electronic wearable element. If a cleaning sub-station is provided, the garment may be cleaned. The manufacturing process may take less than one hour, although more than one hour may be envisioned. Preferably the process takes less than 15 minutes, and more preferably less than 10 minutes, and most preferably less than 5 minutes. From start to finish, the process preferably takes 3 to 5 minutes. If any embroidering is required, more time may be needed. Throughout the manufacture, the sub-stations may be controlled by the control system 26. Any errors in manufacture may be corrected during manufacture. The manufacturing process may be monitored by the sensing system 24. The finished garment is provided to the user. Optionally, the blockchain unit 94e may ensure that a share of the profit is tracked and / or provided to the designer. Optionally, the blockchain unit 94e may also provide a share of the profit to manual labourers who have been replaced by the assembly 12. Any of the features and caveats that apply to one of the embodiments may easily be provided or applicable to any of the other embodiments. Whilst a preferred shape may have been specified for any of the above-described features, any alternative shape may be envisioned in any of transverse or lateral cross-section, longitudinal crosssection, in side view, or in plan view. The shape may be any or any combination of: curved, part curved, non-curved, linear, part linear, non-linear, a broken line, any polygon, whether regular or irregular, having one or more chamfered and / or rounded corners, a triangle, a quadrilateral, such as a square, a rectangle, a trapezium, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, or any other polygon, a cross, an ellipse, a circle, part circular, an oval, or any abstract shape. It is therefore possible to provide an assembly that is, at least partly, and more preferably fully automated. An automated manufacture enables fast and reliable manufacturing of garments without human intervention. Automation ensures fabric stability and safety, maintaining fabric under desired tension and position at all times, optimizing material handling. The assembly is also able to carry out quality control and optionally, self-correct in the event of an error, ensuring a continuous and uninterrupted manufacturing process whilst minimising errors, waste and space. Automation and / or stackability of modules enables a more efficient, preferably vertical, space usage, resulting in the assembly having a small footprint. The assembly is thereby compact and / or portable. Compactness and / or portability enables the assembly to be moved to and / or positioned in a range of locations. It is therefore also possible to provide a first module and / or a second module for use in an assembly. Modularity provides customisability and / or increases the ease of replacement of a part. It is further possible to provide a method of assembling an assembly, which results in a compact assembly. It is also possible to provide a method of use of the assembly to rapidly produce a garment. The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. A compact clothing manufacturing assembly for manufacturing clothing, the compact clothing manufacturing assembly comprisinga first module havinga support structure anda first manufacturing workstation for carrying out at least one fabric processing step;a second module havinga support structure anda second manufacturing workstation for carrying out at least one fabric processing step different to the at least one fabric processing step of the first manufacturing workstation, at least one of the manufacturing workstations being automated for carrying out a fabric processing step automatically;transfer means for transferring fabric between the first and second modules;the support structures being stackably engageable or engaged with one another to form a stack for reducing the footprint of the clothing manufacturing assembly so as to provide a compact clothing manufacturing assembly, andthe compact clothing manufacturing assembly further comprising a pneumatic clamping element having at least one air port, the pneumatic clamping element being adapted to in-use apply a suction force or a compressive force via movement of air through the at least one air port for clamping fabric.

2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the footprint of the compact clothing manufacturing assembly is at most 25 square metres.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the footprint of the compact clothing manufacturing assembly is at most 9 square metres.

4. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control system.

5. An assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control system includes a blockchain unit.

6. An assembly as claimed in claim 4 or in claim 5, further comprising a sensor, the control system further including an artificial intelligence unit being communicable with the at least one sensor, wherein based on an input from a sensor, the artificial intelligence unit is configured to detect an error in a manufacturing step, decide whether to emit a corrective command to the automated manufacturing workstation to rectify the error, and optionally, emit the corrective command for automated quality control.

7. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the control system includes a communications unit for communication with a telecommunications device.

8. An assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the communications unit includes at least one of: an internet sub-unit, a Wi-Fi (RTM) sub-unit, a Bluetooth (RTM) sub-unit, and an NFC subunit.

9. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the control system further includes an alarm unit for emitting an alert.

10. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pneumatic clamping element includes at least one inflatable cushion.

11. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a said manufacturing workstation of a said module comprises a panel-holding frame for holding one or more fabric panels in a taut or substantially taut condition.

12. An assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the panel-holding frame is rotatably movable and / or translatably movable.

13. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a said manufacturing workstation of a said module comprises a multi-functional head, the multi-functional head comprising at least one of: a sewing needle, a sewing means, a supply of thread, a chemicaldispensing means, a supply of a chemical, a non-chemical treatment element, and a finishing element applicator.

14. An assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein finishing element applied by the finishing element applicator includes at least one of: a haptic element, a digital wearable element, and an electronic wearable element.

15. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a said manufacturing workstation comprises a fabric-unwrapping sub-station.

16. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a roller element.

17. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a said manufacturing workstation includes a fabric storage element, and optionally, the fabric storage element has a shape and / or a dimension to enable at least one roll of fabric to be stored above another roll of fabric for further increasing the compactness of the assembly by reducing the footprint of the roll storage element by stacking rolls of fabric vertically.

18. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one solar panel and / or at least one rechargeable battery.

19. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer means includes a robot.

20. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure of at least one said module comprises a transfer means support for supporting a movable element of the transfer means and enabling the movable element to be moveable around a said module.

21. An assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein the transfer means support of a plurality of modules are interconnected for enabling a same movable element to move from the first module to the second module and / or vice versa.

22. A module suitable for a compact clothing manufacturing assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the first module has a support structure and a manufacturing workstation for carrying out at least one fabric processing step, the support structure enabling the module to be stackable for stacking with a further said module, the module further comprising a pneumatic clamping element having at least one air port, the pneumatic clamping element being adapted to in-use apply a suction force or a compressive force via movement of air through the at least one air port for clamping fabric.OL 9423. A module as claimed in claim 22, wherein the manufacturing workstation is automated for carrying out a fabric processing step automatically.

24. A method of assembling a compact clothing manufacturing assembly, the method comprising5 the steps of:a] obtaining a plurality of modules and transfer means for transferring fabric between modules, each module having a support structure and a manufacturing workstation for carrying out at least one clothing manufacturing step, at least one of the modules further comprising a pneumatic clamping element having at least one air port, the10 pneumatic clamping element being adapted to in-use apply a suction force or acompressive force via movement of air through the at least one air port for clamping fabric;b] positioning a module of the plurality of modules on top of a further module of the plurality of modules so as to form a stack for reducing the footprint of the clothing manufacturing assembly and associating the transfer means with the modules; and c] optionally, repeating step b] as many times as required.

25. A method of rapidly manufacturing a garment, the method comprising the steps:a] obtaining a compact clothing manufacturing assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21;b] the workstation of the first module processing fabric by carrying out at least one garment manufacturing step;c] the transfer means transferring the fabric processed by the workstation of the first module from the first module to the second module; and25 d] the workstation of the second module processing the fabric transferred by thetransfer means by carrying out at least one further manufacturing step, wherein the at least one manufacturing step of the first module differs from the at least one manufacturing step of the second module.

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