Austrian researchers develop tech to help robots sort textiles

07 Jun '25

2 min read

Austrian researchers develop tech to help robots sort textiles

Pic: daisha/Adobestock/University of Klagenfurt

Insights

Researchers at the University of Klagenfurt are developing adaptive sensor skins for robotic grippers to enhance textile sorting in recycling.
The AdapTex project aims to improve robots' tactile sensing, allowing them to classify fabrics more like humans.
Supported by FFG and various partners, the technology also holds potential for broader applications beyond recycling.

A team of researchers from the University of Klagenfurt is developing new technologies to help robotic grippers sort textiles more efficiently. With an estimated 100 billion items of clothing produced globally each year—most eventually entering recycling streams—manual sorting of used textiles demands significant human labour. The new technology aims to automate and streamline this process.

“At present, automatic sorting systems mainly use contactless methods, such as visual and near-infrared sensors. But when people sort old textiles, they can do much more: When they touch the textiles, they can also quickly classify what should be reused and what should be recycled based on the feel of the fabric,” explained Hubert Zangl, project manager of AdapTex at the department of smart systems technologies at the University of Klagenfurt.

“Physical interaction with objects and the evaluation of haptic feedback are not yet sufficiently developed in robotics. When sorting textiles, robots have to work in a complex environment with randomly assembled quantities of textiles made from different materials and in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Contamination can further complicate matters,” continued Zangl.

The central factor here is the gripping process, which is crucial for the effective sorting of these materials in recycling plants. The research team is therefore focusing on improving the physical interaction between the robot gripper and the textiles with the aim of improving both the handling and the classification of the textiles. To this end, the researchers are developing textile-based, adaptive sensor skins for the robotic grippers.

“These will be intelligent materials containing networks of sensors and actuators that can adapt optimally when touched,” said Hubert Zangl. The unique properties of AdapTex skin offer potential not only for use in textile recycling, but also in many other areas of the textile industry, such as sportswear, lifestyle clothing, and rehabilitation garments. It might also be possible to use the improved capabilities and functions for robots deployed in industrial manufacturing and automation.

The AdapTex project is coordinated at the University of Klagenfurt and the AAU/SAL USE Lab. The project partners are Grabher Group, Infineon Technologies Austria AG, Silicon Austria Labs and V-trion. AdapTex is supported by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)

More Textiles News - Austria...