FKZ 02WDG1768
RoboTex
Robotics Solution for Sustainable Sorting and Handling of Used Textiles
Duration: November 1, 2025 – October 31, 2027
Consortium:
Contact Person (Coordinator)
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Franke
Lehrstuhl für Fertigungsautomatisierung und Produktionssystematik
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Egerlandstr. 7-9
91058 Erlangen
What the project is about
In the “RoboTex” research project, used textiles are automatically sorted along a structured process chain. Used textiles are delivered in standardized mesh boxes and fed into the system to ensure a consistent starting point. The textiles inside are captured using image-based stereo cameras. Color and depth images are used to segment individual textile pieces via deep learning models. The segmentation masks generated from this data determine suitable gripping points. An articulated-arm robot equipped with a specially developed textile gripper handles the removal of the textiles (bin picking). The gripper is coupled via a flexible robotic structure that compensates for model and sensor errors and prevents material damage. Integrated tactile sensors support the monitoring of the gripping process.
The gripped textile is then stretched by two cooperating manipulators. The flexibility of the kinematics distributes stresses evenly; tactile sensors detect fabric thickness and strain behavior. The stretched textile is scanned on both sides by a multimodal sensor system (near-infrared spectroscopy, color cameras, X-ray transmission). Based on the acquired data, the textile is classified into specific textile categories, taking into account material type, color, fiber type, and damage characteristics.
Foreign objects such as buttons or zippers are detected. Finally, the sorted textile is automatically sorted and fed into the subsequent process chain based on the results. This is accompanied by a methodologically sound sustainability assessment in accordance with ISO 14040/14044. The environmental and economic impacts of the RoboTex solution are continuously analyzed and integrated into further technical development to maximize resource efficiency and recyclability.