IGF - Development of autonomous gripper systems for use in manufacturing process chains
Project Duration
November 1, 2024 – October 31, 2026
Project Partners
The iC3@Smart Production research group at TH Wildau
Initial Situation
Handling flexible materials such as textiles, leather, and films poses a major challenge in the textile and apparel industries. In particular, the efficient handling of multi-material layer stacks—such as when stacking, destacking, and gripping individual layers—is often performed manually or only partially automated [1]. Against this backdrop, the research project aims to develop an autonomous gripping system designed to automate and optimize the handling of these materials.
Project Context
As part of the ZIM CryoTec project, ITM and TH Wildau have already been working on innovative solutions for handling flexible materials [2]. Building on these findings, the goal is now to develop an intelligent, modular gripping system capable of efficiently gripping, positioning, and transporting textile fabrics. The system is designed to ensure reliable handling regardless of the type of material.
Project Objective
This project aims to develop a dynamic, modular gripping system for textile fabrics.
Project Description
As part of the project, the requirements and limitations for the gripping system will first be defined. Subsequently, a concept for a modular gripping module will be developed, consisting of optical sensors, actuators, force transmission systems, and grippers. Accordingly, the project focuses, on the one hand, on the gripper-material interaction and gripping forces, and, on the other hand, on the sensors, control system, and actuators of a movable module to which textile grippers are attached at both ends. Finally, a demonstrator of the gripping module will be built, which recognizes the shape of the textile fabric to be gripped, calculates the necessary gripping forces and the gripper configuration, manipulates the gripper position on the module, and then executes the gripping process.
Project Benefits
The developed gripping system is intended for use in transport processes between production stations or for positioning tasks in the assembly of technical and apparel textiles.
Get Involved
The best way to participate in the project is to become a member of the project advisory committee. This committee meets regularly, approximately every six months, to discuss the project’s progress. We present new scientific findings and gather feedback from industry. It is also the perfect place to facilitate direct support through equipment loans, hands-on trials at companies, or the exchange of experience and know-how. The next project advisory committee meetings will take place on:
- May 7 in Dresden at the ITM
- October 8 in Wildau at the IC3
- A demonstrator presentation and workshop will take place on October 9.
If you’d like to get involved, please contact the following representatives:
Contacts
© Sven Ellger/TUD
Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter
NameDipl.-Ing. Karl Hesse
Automatisierung
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Professur für die Entwicklung und Montage von textilen Produkten
Professur für die Entwicklung und Montage von textilen Produkten
© 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 Scientific Contributions, vol. 2013, pp. 72–76, 2013.
[2] T. El Ghayed, C. Falk, S. Wilbers, R. van de Sand, and J. Reiff-Stephan, “A Model Approach for Process Optimization in Hydroadhesive Gripping,” 19th AALE Conference, Luxembourg, 2023.