German scientists develop AI-powered robots to recycle smart clothing

Researchers at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences in Germany have initiated the ReSiST-AR project to develop an AI-powered robotic system aimed at improving the recycling of smart textiles—fabrics embedded with electronic components used in wearables and automotive applications. Funded with nearly USD 500,000 from the European Regional Development Fund and the State of Lower Saxony, the two-year project focuses on creating robots equipped with multispectral cameras, 3D sensors, and AI algorithms to identify and sort smart garments from mixed textile waste automatically. This approach seeks to replace manual sorting, which is often done under unpleasant conditions and involves shipping textiles long distances, by establishing regional recycling loops. The main technical challenge addressed by the project is the difficulty robots face in handling soft, wrinkled, and overlapping textiles that vary widely in material and appearance, unlike rigid objects that AI systems typically recognize more easily. The team is developing advanced sensing and classification technologies to detect both the fabric type and embedded electronics regardless of