The emerging technology field of soft robotics offers exciting prospects for the apparel manufacturing sector. Soft robotics are constructed from actuators, gel, elastomer and fluids, and can precisely and firmly hold fragile objects without causing any damage. As the WTiN report, 'Fabric gripping technology for future automation' notes, soft robotics are currently the only option for replicating a 'human-like grip, with impactive technologies' in the textile and apparel industry. Whilst automated ingressive, astrictive and contigutive gripping technologies - such as vacuum and needle grippers - are increasingly available for use in the sector, they have significant limitations. Development in the area of soft robotics has been predominantly focused on integration of somatosensory systems for sensing of touch, movement, curvature, pressure and temperature, and the capabilities of soft robotics are palpable. However, it is broadly accepted that sensory soft robotics can only be applied in high-tech industries for very specific applications at present, due to both cost and speed. That is until now.
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