THREAD-X Augmented Reality Training For Manufacturing

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 for new employees
- First Step – New hires review training modules that covers information, images and videos for each specific step/process they will be performing to get them familiar with the equipment, SOPS and terminology they will be using daily.
  - Required training modules are determined by the new hire’s starting skill set.
  - The training information is provided by the Subject Matter Experts (SME) of each individual company to ensure their correct information and SOP is being utilized.
- Second Step – New hire utilizes VR headset to guide them step-by-step through performing specific tasks on the equipment.
- See Pilot program below for example.
Ongoing training for current workforce
- Quickly cross train employees to fill in for other positions/departments.
Equipment Operations, including machinery setup, production running and changeovers
Troubleshooting for common equipment issues
- VR headset allows for the capability to connect with equipment experts remotely for step-by-step guidance on more complex issues
Access through multiple devices, from VR headsets to mobile phones
A platform which can be expanded to manage a wide range of equipment and/or processes

For More Information Visit THREADX.AI

Create a FREE account and click on THREAD-X Introduction under "My Learning" for detailed information.

THREAD-X Updates

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 atttend
- 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
Based on feedback from the hosiery industry, this training process typically takes someone with no experience at least 4-6 weeks to learn.
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!

THREAD-X DEMOS IN ACTION!

Thread-X at the High School STEM Trek April of 2025