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Autotailors
Clothing technology had come a long way over the history of civilization, but one of the most influential inventions ever created in the industry are the Autotailors. These machines — the early models of which date back to the later Information Age — revolutionized how sophonts designed and bought clothing till the advent of personal autofabs some centuries later. No longer did designers have to worry about how many sizes they offered. Instead they wrote programs in which autotailors, at the local clothing boutiques, worked to fabricate on an individual basis. Stores had to buy only raw materials and the software in which to create the latest styles, or keep older designs allowing for desired retro clothing lines. After taking an initial scan of the potential customer allowed a customer to begin virtual shopping. This method allowed customers to view outfits as others would see them wearing the clothing they were considering purchasing. After the order was placed, the Autotailor begins to manufacture the wares. Within minutes a set of clothing that exactly fit the customer's physical stature is produced.
Over the eons, Autotailors became more and more accurate, flexible and powerful, using the best in nanotechnology to allow full suits to be manufactured in mere seconds. Nanotechnology also removed worries about the exacting quality needs for materials. Because of this, clothing was able to be tougher, more resilient and comfortable, with a greater variety for less cost than ever before in history. For a mere fraction of the cost, the poorest of people could dress in luxury that only the elite of past eras could afford. The convenience of coupling this technology into personal autofabs (during the First Federation period) brought the autotailor home, and they have been a part of civilized life ever since. Instead of having to keep outdated fashions, or damaged clothing, a person can just throw the old or damaged clothes into the recycler to be remade into a new style in seconds.
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Development Notes
Text by Michael Boncher
Initially published on 14 May 2004.
Initially published on 14 May 2004.
