This project is the result of a collaborative partnership between POMO Robotics and the Robotics Living Lab, funded by the Cotton Textiles Research Trust.
The rotary cutting tool end effector was developed in response to a pressing need for adaptable and accessible automation solutions within the fashion and textile sector. Traditional garment manufacturing infrastructures are typically centralised and optimised for high-volume production, offering limited flexibility for small-batch or customised outputs. Cutting, in particular, remains one of the most resource-intensive and ergonomically challenging processes, often dependent on large-scale, mono-functional machinery. This project leverages the capabilities of collaborative robotics (cobots) to introduce a modular, safe, and cost-effective alternative. The tool features a rotary blade with pneumatic actuation, embedded sensors, and visual feedback mechanisms to support precision cutting while aligning with the workflows of agile, sustainable garment production.
The tool was developed through a practice-based and iterative methodology, combining insights from fashion practice research, robotics engineering, and human-centered design. Across three stages of prototyping, the system evolved from prototype to a pneumatically actuated system of TLR 6-7, featuring magnetic safety covers, proximity sensors and an illuminated ring barrier for improved health and safety. The tool’s CAD-to-path workflow was streamlined through integration with Rhino3D/Grasshopper in HAL, reducing file preparation and increasing the accessibility of robotic tooling for non-experts. The tool is robot-agnostic and is designed to fit most conventional cobot models.
