The Manufacturing Solutions Center, along with our technical partner Analog Digital Systems, has created the Textile Handling, Real-time Expertise and Data Exchange (THREAD-X) training platform using Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support and accelerate training and equipment troubleshooting in manufacturing industries. Thread-X was developed through the support of the NC Textile Innovation Engine, a program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The THREAD-X training platform provides:

• Accelerated Onboarding
  New hires utilize the THREAD-X training modules in conjunction with the VR headset to learn each specific step they will be performing to get them familiar with the equipment and processes in a fraction of the time training normally takes.


• Cross Training
  Quickly cross train your current employees to fill in for other positions/departments.


• Equipment Operation
  Consistent, detailed directions at the operators' fingertips on how to perform specific task from setting up the machines, to running production, to changeovers and more.


• Troubleshooting
  Easily retrieve directions to resolve common equipment issues and utilize the REALWEAR headset to connect with equipment experts remotely for step-by-step guidance on more complex issues.


• Device Access
  Compatible with a variety of devices, from VR headsets to mobile phones, you choose the tools that work best for your needs.


• Any Equipment/Process
  THREAD-X was built on a platform that can span multiple industries, types of equipment and/or processes.

SPRING 2026

• Identifying additional textile equipment/processes for the THREAD-X Training Platform!
• Provide training to help companies integrate AI into their training environment to expand into different industries.
• Join us at the SEAMS' Spring Networking Conference for a presentation/demonstration of THREAD-X.
  • You do not have to be a SEAMS' member to attend
  • Location: Grandover Resort & Spa/Greensboro, NC
  • Date: April 29 - May 1, 2026
  • For more information and to register, visit seams.org

November - December 2025

• Implementing THREAD-X Pilot Programs at hosiery mills equipped with Lonati 616 knitting machines.
• November 12, 2025 - Launched first THREAD-X Pilot Program with a hosiery mill in NC
• They hired a trainee with no textile experience, who learned all of the following within 4 days:
  1. Read a Specification Sheet
  2. Clipboard Management
  3. Creel and Thread Machine
  4. Troubleshooting/Flagging Machine
  5. Error Handling Multiple Machines
  6. Tablet & Inventory Management
  7. Warehouse Navigation
  8. Identifying Sock Defects
• The new trainee was running a Full Production Line with minimal supervision at the start of day 16.
  • The production line consisted of 30-32 knitting machines that utilizes 7 different types of machines
• Before THREAD-X, new trainees would shadow an experienced knitter for several weeks, before running several knitting machines themselves with limited supervision. They would gradually increase the number of machines, based on the trainee’s progression, until they are running the full line.
• With THREAD-X, the new trainee completed the course content on Day 1, the headset experience on Day 2 and was running 3 machines while being shadowed by the trainer at the start of Day 3, before increasing machines daily until running the Full Production Line on Day 16.

August – September 2025

• Onsite beta testing completed with new MSC staff as trainees
  • Trainee #1 — New administrative staff, with no textile background, went through THREAD-X training and knit a sock in less than 20 hours in 5 days.
    • Course content was adjusted based on her feedback to improve training content for next trainee.
  • Trainee #2— New lab technician, with no textile background, went through THREAD-X training and knit a sock in less than 12 hours in 4 days.
    • Course content was adjusted based on her feedback to improve training module content for pilot programs and larger scale rollout.

May - July 2025

• MSC uploaded courses of information to use for training new workforce recruits on Lonati 616 knitting machines

Check back on a regular basis for more updates!

Ready to get started with THREAD-X?
Contact Tanya Wade or Tony Whitener TODAY!