A circular stitching device is attachable to a bed of a sewing machine. The circular stitching device is configured to anchor a sewing workpiece in a rotatable manner at an anchor position that is apart from a needle drop position of a sewing needle by a distance corresponding to a size of a circular stitching pattern to be formed on the sewing workpiece. A projector is configured to project a projection image toward the bed. A controller is configured to perform controlling the projector to project the projection image representing at least part of the circular stitching pattern of the size to be formed on the sewing workpiece. The circular stitching pattern is formed by continuously arranging a unit pattern in a circular shape.

A circular stitching device is attachable to a bed of a sewing machine. The circular stitching device is configured to anchor a sewing workpiece in a rotatable manner at an anchor position that is apart from a needle drop position of a sewing needle by a distance corresponding to a size of a circular stitching pattern to be formed on the sewing workpiece. A projector is configured to project a projection image toward the bed. A controller is configured to perform controlling the projector to project the projection image representing at least part of the circular stitching pattern of the size to be formed on the sewing workpiece. The circular stitching pattern is formed by continuously arranging a unit pattern in a circular shape.

An assistance system that can be used for prosthetic heart valve manufacturing or suturing procedures includes an automated fixture that can comprise an articulation arm and a target device holder. The target device holder can be positioned and oriented to reduce operator strain during a manufacturing or inspection process. The assistance system includes a user input device enabling the operator to move between positions to assist in such processes. The assistance system can also be trained by capturing sequences of position data corresponding to a manufacturing or inspection process.

The invention relates to an automated sewing system comprising I) a sewing head or ultrasonic welding head configured a) for connecting two or more layers of fabrics, or b) for making a pattern on one or more layers of fabric; and II) a conveyor belt unit comprising i) a conveyor belt adapted for supporting one or more layers of fabric, and ii) a motor unit adapted for moving said conveyor belt; wherein said conveyor belt further comprises c) a mechanism adapted for forming a cavity in said conveyor belt, said cavity being formed below said sewing head.