Researchers develop robotic grippers to boost textile recycling

Researchers in Austria are working on advanced technologies to help robotic grippers sort textiles more efficiently for recycling purposes. According to Hubert Zangl, who leads the AdapTex project at the University of Klagenfurt, current automated sorting systems rely mostly on non-contact methods like visual and near-infrared sensors. In contrast, humans can use touch to quickly judge whether a fabric should be reused or recycled by feeling its texture.

Zangl explains that for robotic grippers to sort textiles like humans, many challenges need to be solved. Robots still struggle with physical interaction and interpreting touch-based feedback. The sorting process is made even more difficult by the variety of materials, shapes, sizes, and possible contamination in textile piles.

The Klagenfurt research team is concentrating on enhancing how robotic grippers physically interact with textiles. Since gripping plays a key role in sorting materials at recycling plants, improving this aspect can help with better handling and more accurate classification.

To achieve this, the team is creating adaptive, fabric-based sensor skins that can be attached to robotic grippers. Zangl explains that these smart materials are equipped with sensor and actuator networks, allowing them to respond effectively to touch.

The AdapTex project is led by the University of Klagenfurt and the AAU/SAL USE Lab, in collaboration with project partners such as Grabher Group, Infineon Technologies Austria, Silicon Austria Labs, and V-trion.