Researchers in Germany have been developing AI-powered robotic solutions to sort and recycle smart textiles more efficiently.
Researchers in Germany have launched a new initiative to develop an AI-powered robotic system for recycle smart fabrics, which contain electronic parts and boost the features of wearables and cars. Smart textiles, or e-textiles, such as self-illuminating outwear, garments fitted with emergency call sensors and health-tracking footwear are becoming increasingly widespread.
However, efforts to recycle them are still underdeveloped. To address this issue, and make the design of these textiles sustainable, scientists at the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences recently launched the ReSiST-AR project . The two-year initiative secured nearly USD 500,000 in funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the State of Lower Saxony. It will result in a robotic system that uses multispectral cameras, 3D sensors, and AI material classification to distinguish fabrics, detect embedded electronics, and automate sorting on conveyor belts. Recycling smart fabricsAccording to Steffen Greiser, PhD, an automation engineering researcher at the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, fabrics are often transported halfway across the world to be sorted cheaply by hand. “In addition, worn clothing is often dirty and has odors,” Greiser, who also heads the project, explained. “This is neither pleasant work nor particularly sustainable.”The team aims to automate textile sorting and establish regional recycling loops, reducing the need to ship clothing over long distances. Under the plan, robots will scan discarded clothing and identify smart textiles for separation.The researchers explained that the main challenge in robotic sorting of clothing is that robots are typically designed to handle solid materials, much like AI systems are better at recognizing rigid objects.“Textiles, however, are very soft, often bundled and overlapping on conveyor belts, wrinkled, and differ greatly in material, color and structure,” Greiser stated. “They therefore always look different.”AI-powered textile sortingAccurately identifying and picking up smart textiles demands advanced sensing technologies and refined AI algorithms. “We want to teach them to pick out smart textiles from among many other clothes – regardless of how they lie in the pile,” Greiser said. The team’s method uses multispectral imaging, 3D sensing, and complementary technologies to separate fabrics and detect electronic components. The project will also explore how smart textiles can be designed from the start to improve recyclability.A team led by Jens Schäfer, PhD, an engineering and computer science professor at the university, is analyzing different manufacturing methods, like embroidery, sewn-in electronics and welded components. It is also studying how to integrate sensors so they function reliably in daily use while remaining easy to remove later.“First, we are examining the different types of smart textiles and the requirements from the perspective of end users,” Schäfer highlighted. “Our goal is to develop a guideline that enables companies to design smart textiles that are durable and at the same time recyclable.”To test the approach, the university has joined forces with regional firms, such as robotics company Moduco and textile specialist WKS Textilveredlungs. “Sorting textile with a robot is an above-average challenge,” Stephan Feldker, Moduco managing director said. WKS Textilveredlungs’ managing director Michael Hofmann, also expressed his support for the project. “We sort and repair large volumes of returned clothing every day,” he concluded in a press release. “We are very pleased to have found a strong research partner in Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences.”
Automation E-Textiles Germany Inventions And Machines Recycling Robotics Sensors Smart Textiles Sustainability Technology
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