IGF - Development of autonomous gripper systems for use in manufacturing process chains
Project duration
01.11.2024 - 31.10.2026
Project partners
The iC3@Smart Production working group at the TH Wildau
Initial situation
The handling of flexible materials such as textiles, leather and foils is a major challenge in the textile and clothing industry. In particular, the efficient handling of multi-material layer stacks, such as stacking, destacking and gripping individual layers, is often carried out manually or only partially automated [1]. Against this background, the research project aims to develop an autonomous gripper system to automate and optimize the handling of these materials.
Project context
As part of the ZIM CryoTec project, the ITM and the TH Wildau have already worked on innovative solutions for handling flexible materials [2]. Building on these findings, an intelligent, modular gripper system is now to be developed that can efficiently grip, position and transport textile fabrics. The system should ensure reliable handling regardless of the type of material.
Project objective
The aim of this project is to develop a dynamic, modular gripper system for textile fabrics.
Project description
As part of the project, requirements and limitations for the gripper system are to be defined first. Subsequently, a concept for a modular gripping module is to be developed, which consists of an optical sensor system, actuators, force transmission systems and grippers. Accordingly, the focus of the project is on the one hand on the gripper-material relationship and the gripping forces, and on the other hand on the sensors, control and actuators of a movable module, at the ends of which textile grippers are fixed. Finally, a demonstrator of the gripper module is to be built, which recognizes the shape of the textile fabric to be gripped, calculates the necessary gripping forces and the gripper constellation, manipulates the gripper position on the module and then executes the gripping process.
Project benefits
The developed gripper system is to be used in transport processes between production stations or for positioning tasks in the textile assembly of technical and clothing textiles.
Contact person
© Sven Ellger
Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter
NameDipl.-Ing. Jacob Hoßfeld
Automatisierung und 3D-Druck
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Professur für die Entwicklung und Montage von textilen Produkten
Professur für die Entwicklung und Montage von textilen Produkten
© Sven Ellger/TUD
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin
NameDipl.-Ing. Sophie Herz
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Professur für die Entwicklung und Montage von textilen Produkten
Professur für die Entwicklung und Montage von textilen Produkten
[1] J. Reiff-Stephan, "Automated handling of flexible materials," THWildau Wissenschaftliche Beiträge, vol. 2013, pp. 72-76, 2013.
[2] T. El Ghayed, C. Falk, S. Wilbers, R. van de Sand and J. Reiff-Stephan, "Model approach for process optimization in hydroadhesive gripping," 19th AALE Conference, Luxembourg, 2023.