Advanced Garment Handling in Manufacturing: Dual-Arm Robot Manipulators with the EPOCH System

This talk presents various garment handling methods using dual-arm robot manipulators, which hold significant potential for advancing automation in clothing manufacturing. We have developed the Easy-to-deploy Program-free minimal-Customization Highly flexible (EPOCH) Robot System, designed to perform garment handling tasks without requiring precise positioning of the robot in the workspace. This adaptability makes it ideal for diverse manufacturing environments, where both flexibility and efficiency are essential. The EPOCH system is equipped with a versatile, flexible end-effector that can handle a wide range of garments, including T-shirts, dress shirts, pants, and more. Its ability to execute various manipulation tasks with minimal customization enhances the efficiency of production processes. Additionally, the system’s simple and user-friendly teaching interface allows operators to program new tasks easily, without the need for specialized technical expertise. In this talk, I will provide an overview of the EPOCH Robot System and its key features that address garment handling challenges in manufacturing. I will also present several case studies demonstrating the practical application of dual-arm robot manipulators across different garment types, showcasing the system’s adaptability and potential to significantly enhance clothing production efficiency.