Anatar Approved to Join the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute
Anatar is proud to announce our official approval as a member of the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, a Manufacturing Innovation Institute funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and part of the Manufacturing USA® network.
Kaia Rhodes
Founder & CEO•Anatar
ATLANTA, GA – February 18, 2026 – Anatar, a vertically integrated textile and apparel manufacturer, has been approved as a member of the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute. The Institute, a Department of Defense (DoD) Manufacturing Innovation Institute (MII), operates under the Office of the Secretary of Defense Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program and forms part of the national Manufacturing USA network. This milestone reinforces Anatar’s commitment to revitalizing domestic manufacturing and advancing U.S. economic and national security through robotics-driven textile and apparel production.
Advancing Robotics in U.S. Manufacturing
The ARM Institute convenes a national collaboration focused on accelerating the adoption of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomy to increase U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. Its mission is to accelerate the development and deployment of robotics technologies that underpin advanced manufacturing today and in the future, while preparing the workforce to work alongside these systems.
As part of the ARM Institute, Anatar joins a consortium of manufacturers, technology companies, research institutions, and government partners working to make robotics and AI more accessible to U.S. manufacturers of all sizes. Participation opens pathways for Anatar to collaborate on projects, demonstrations, and pilots focused on automation, human–robot collaboration, and AI-enabled production systems with dual-use impact for both commercial and defense markets.
Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing
With the majority of U.S. apparel still sourced from abroad, revitalizing the American textile industry is essential for both economic vitality and national security. Recent disruptions in global supply chains have made it clear that the ability to produce essential sewn products within U.S. borders is a strategic necessity.
“Joining the ARM Institute is a natural extension of our mission to modernize and reshore U.S. textile and apparel manufacturing,” said Kaia Rhodes, Founder and CEO of Anatar.
Technology-Driven Manufacturing Revival
Anatar is revolutionizing the American textile indsutry through a combination of autonomous production systems and supply chain intelligence software. The company has solved key technical challenges in fabric manipulation - historically one of the most difficult problems in manufacturing automation - enabling domestic production to compete with offshore labor costs while maintaining superior quality and lead times.
The company's Loom platform provides real-time operational intelligence across the textile supply chain, enabling manufacturers, brands, and government agencies to verify product origin, ensure compliance, and optimize production routing. This technology is particularly relevant for defense applications where supply chain transparency and domestic sourcing requirements are critical.
Looking Ahead
Anatar’s engagement with the ARM Institute comes as the company expands its automated manufacturing operations in Georgia and deepens its work with defense and industrial partners. The new facility, set to open later this year, will create hundreds of skilled manufacturing jobs and accelerate the transition from offshore production to intelligent, robotics-enabled domestic solutions.
About the ARM Institute
The ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute is a national Manufacturing Innovation Institute funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and part of the Manufacturing USA network. Founded by Carnegie Mellon University and now operating as an independent non-profit, the ARM Institute is headquartered at Mill 19 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It brings together a diverse consortium across industry, academia, and government to make robotics, autonomy, and AI more accessible to U.S. manufacturers, strengthen the workforce, and enhance U.S. economic competitiveness, security, and resilience.
About Anatar
Anatar is a vertically integrated textile and apparel manufacturer dedicated to rebuilding America’s textile infrastructure through automation, innovation, and supply chain transparency. Founded by textile industry veteran Kaia Rhodes, the company combines deep domain expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver advanced, American-made textile and apparel solutions for both commercial and defense markets. For more information, visit anatar.com.
Media Contact: media@anatar.com
