Robotics in Textile Industry: Application, Advantages and Disadvantages

Robotics in Textile Industry

Shrestha Bhowmik
Textile Engineering College, Zorarganj, Chattogram

Abstract:
In this modern era, robotics is used in almost all fields. Among those fields textile industry is important all over the world because it plays a significant role in the economy. In order to survive in the competitive world market, it is necessary to adapt advanced technology. Here robotics has emerged as game-changer. It is a form of industrial automation. By using robots, industries can improve production efficiency and quality. This article explores the transformative impacts of robotics in textile industry highlighting the benefits of adapting robotics. The role of robotics in revolutionizing the traditional methods of manufacturing within the textile sector is discussed along with potential future developments in this field.

Introduction:
Robotics is a branch of engineering and computer science that involves the conception, design, manufacture and operation of robots. In today’s modern textile industries, industrial robots are being used and they’re playing a crucial role in tasks such as sewing, cutting fabric and even sorting materials. Industrial robots are automated, programmable and capable of movements on three or more axis specially used for manufacturing. They’re able to perform intricate tasks easily. As technology advances, the use of robotics in the textile industry is becoming more dominant. Very soon we’re going to witness a new era of innovation and collaboration between man and machine.

Application of Robotics in Textile Industry:

Robotics in yarn and fabric manufacturing:

Bale Handling: Fabrics and cotton are packaged as bale. These are very heavy and hard to move easily. Industrial robots can do this task easily. Many industrial robots are designed for weight lifting. For example: KUKA heavy duty robots. They can also sort bales easily.
Fig: Robotics in handling of bales in blow room
Carding: Robot could be programmed to pick up cams from each card place them on to a truck and transport them to a production area for drawing frame for conventional operation.
Splicing in autoconers and other winders: While end breaks or during bobbin change, this join the yarn ends with a splice which is virtually identical to the yarn. Latest automatic splicer arm act like a robot and it offers even better opening of the yarn ends and more favourable overlap in splicing zone.
Robotics in Nonwovens: The researchers are developing robots for the production of nonwoven and tailored 3D structured garments (fire fighters suit).
Fig: Robotics in nonwovens
Robotics in cleaning of textile industry: Robots with specialised cleaning tools and sensors are being used in textile industry to clean machinery and equipments. These robots use various cleaning techniques such as brushing, spraying etc.

Application of Robotics in Garment Manufacturing:

Robotics in printing: Printing robots can make different types of pattern, logo, design on fabric. Another latest development in printing is 3D printing robots.
Fig: 3D printing robots designed
Robotics in fabric spreading: Before fabric spreading was done manually by human. Now with the help of automated Robots fabric spreading can be done easily.
Robotics in laser cutting: Laser cutting is really helpful to fabric cutting. Computer controlled lasers cutting system are suitable for multi-ply cutting of heavy textile. It helps to increase mass production in textile industry.
Robotics in sewing: Sewing is one of the most challenging parts of garment manufacturing. The sewing process of 3D shaped garment is very complex. Different types of robots are being used in sewing process. Exmp: sewing robot (sewbo), LOWRY sewbot. Sewbot is an industrial robot used in apparel industry for fabric gripping and handling. By using these robots 100% automation to create a complete outfit is possible. And sewbots can do multiple things such as cutting, sewing, awaking, labelling etc.
Robotics in garments inspection: Manually performed fabric inspection can’t identify all the defects. The use of automated equipment or robot helps to increase the efficiency of the fabric inspection process. But it is one of the most difficult things to automate inspection process. Various techniques like statistical approach, spectral approach and model based approach can be adopted for automatic fabric inspection.
Robotics in folding and packing: The products folding and packing can carry out by the robots. They can take the garment, fold it and then pack it properly.

Advantages of Robotics in Textile Industry:

Increase productivity, efficiency, quality
Can perform task in hazardous situation
No environmental comfort needed
More accurate than human
Work consistently
Fast speed
Zero ignorance

Disadvantages of Robotics in Textile Industry:

Costly
Can increase unemployment problem
Experts are required to maintain them

Conclusion:
Robots are changing the face of textile industry. They are making things faster, better and cheaper. Also they are transforming the manufacturing process. The future of robotics in textile looks great. There are still endless possibilities for more advancement in this sector. As there’s less studies on robotics for textile manufacturing, application of robots in textile industry have not varied much on the process. By investing more in this sector and taking some necessary steps, it is possible to innovate and grow. The sooner we can introduce robotics in textile industry; we can seek thousands of benefits.

References:

Jindal, Harsh, and Spinder Kaur. “Robotics and Automation in Textile Industry.” Int. J. Sci. Res. Sci. Eng. Technol 8 (2021): 40-45.
Chang, Liu. “The application of industrial robotics in the textile industry.” Industrial Engineering and Innovation Management 7, no. 1 (2024): 8-12.
Gries, Thomas, and Volker Lutz. “Application of robotics in garment manufacturing.” In Automation in garment manufacturing, pp. 179-197. Woodhead Publishing, 2018.