Garment handling and corresponding devices-technology in robotic ironing

A piece of cross-disciplinary research is introduced where textile science and garment engineering are associated with the development of garment handling devices. A domestic chore is focused on, the process in domestic ironing is reviewed, and the technology which is potentially use-able for the automatic ironing where the most frequent task is to handle a piece of fabric and a pair of garment is investigated. This requires the study of garment handling and its corresponding devices for the task. Garment handling is categorised into several steps and common handling operations are highlighted. The analysis results in the categorisation of gripping and handling devices with potential applications to domestic automation. This leads to the study of garment folding and unfolding with relevant techniques and algorithms. Some potential technology in multi-fingered robotic hands are presented.