Textile folding

In the era of automation, more and more sectors are adopting technological solutions to improve their efficiency. Industrial laundry, a traditionally manual labor-dependent area, has experienced a radical change with the arrival of smart robots. A notable example is the VELUM system from the start-up Sewts, which has transformed one of the most tedious and repetitive tasks: folding textiles.
Until recently, although automation in the laundry sector allowed for the processing of large volumes of textiles, tasks such as loading towels or sheets into folding machines were still performed by humans. Manual intervention was inevitable due to the delicacy and dimensions of the textiles. However, with the integration of VELUM, this phase of the process has been completely automated, offering an efficient and precise solution that does not cause wrinkles in the fabrics.
The VELUM system has been designed to revolutionize the industry, with a direct impact on productivity and cost reduction. According to Till Rickert, co-founder of Sewts, the market potential is enormous. Globally, there are approximately 25,000 commercial laundries that could benefit from this technology. Currently, it has already been implemented at Greif Textile Mietsysteme, a company located in Wolfratshausen, Bavaria, since November 2022. There, the VELUM system processes between 500 and 600 textiles per hour, performing what was previously manual work, with efficiency comparable to that of a human operator.
The impact of this technology goes beyond task automation. The VELUM system is not only fast but also adaptable, as its software is continuously updated via wireless updates, constantly expanding its range of functions and improving its performance. Over time, VELUM is expected to become even more efficient, achieving system amortization within a period of between 18 months and two and a half years, depending on the workload.
One of the biggest challenges Sewts faced during the development of the system was optimizing the space and speed of the robots’ movements. To address this challenge, the company used advanced simulation tools, such as FANUC ROBOGUIDE software, which allowed them to analyze the robots’ movements and spatial requirements. Additionally, a material simulation software allowed them to predict the behavior of different types of textiles, a key aspect to ensure that the robot could handle the fabrics precisely without damaging them.
The key to VELUM’s success lies in its intelligent software, which combines computer vision and advanced algorithms to detect specific characteristics of each fabric. Thanks to a 3D camera system and a FANUC M-10𝑖D robot, the system can identify textures, seams, and edges of each piece of clothing, locate them in space, and coordinate their grip at the most suitable point. This process occurs in real-time, allowing the robot to perform tasks with surprising precision.
Sewts’ long-term vision goes beyond laundry. Rickert and his team are working on new applications, such as automating the processing of textile returns in online commerce, an area that has grown enormously in recent years. Product returns, especially in the fashion sector, are often a logistical challenge. Many of these processes are carried out in distant countries, resulting in long transport routes and high waste of goods. With the implementation of smart robots like VELUM, Sewts hopes that in the future these returns can be managed close to the customer, reducing costs and improving the sustainability of the process.
The advancement of industrial robotics and artificial intelligence is redefining the limits of what is possible in automation. The VELUM system from Sewts, in collaboration with FANUC robots, is a clear example of how technology can transform traditional sectors, such as laundry, and open new possibilities in logistics and manufacturing. With each update and new implementation, this technology not only improves the efficiency of companies but also shapes the future of industrial work, becoming increasingly automated, sustainable, and accessible.