At the Shoe Technology Center, a collaborative effort with companies in the footwear sector investigates how robotic hands and collaborative robots can automate many tasks in shoe production. The project concentrates on improving how small components are handled, including insoles, midsoles, heels, uppers, and finished shoes, all of which traditionally demand high operator dexterity. This work is funded by regional and national innovation programs and aims to streamline manual processes to boost overall factory efficiency across the production line.
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Early results indicate that robotic systems can assist in various stages of product collection, positioning, and packaging. The Handybot initiative demonstrates that automation can tackle tasks once thought impossible, improving productivity and the resilience of the production chain. Experts emphasize that increased automation can raise component handling accuracy, reduce cycle times, and free workers to focus on problem solving and specialized judgment. This approach aligns with broader goals of reliability and competitiveness within the footwear industry.
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Robotics and automation can free operators from repetitive manual work, creating a safer and more efficient workplace. Success depends on building core capabilities in robotic dexterity and control. Industry professionals explain that advancing tactile feedback, precision grasping, and adaptive manipulation is essential to expanding the range of tasks suited for automation. By addressing these capabilities, more industrial activities can be integrated with robotic systems, extending automation across the plant floor.
The Handybot project is being developed by Inescop de Elda. INFORMATION
Techniques used in this effort include artificial vision systems and augmented reality tools. Vision systems help identify objects in the robot’s environment and determine optimal gripping points, while augmented reality enables operators to guide and calibrate robotic actions. A teleoperation setup has also been developed that mirrors human motions in real time, allowing a robot and its hand to reproduce complex human actions from a distance. These capabilities are designed to enhance precision and broaden the scope of tasks suitable for automation.
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The research program aims to anticipate industry needs by creating collaborative robotic tools that raise productivity while supporting environmental goals. The combination of robotics with virtual reality assists in refining production processes, helping companies reduce waste and energy use while maintaining high output. By integrating digital visualization with adaptive robotic control, manufacturers can pursue more sustainable production patterns without sacrificing quality or throughput.
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The Handybot initiative aligns with sustainable development objectives, contributing to health and well-being, decent work and economic growth, industry and infrastructure, and responsible consumption. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration, the project seeks to improve safe, productive workplaces and resilient supply chains, underscoring a commitment to responsible innovation in the footwear sector.
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The Shoe Technology Center coordinates efforts with three regional footwear companies to drive innovation. The collaboration involves Algorós, Plastinher Urban, and Hope Diamon, focusing on advanced tooling, precision cutting, and scalable manufacturing methods. These partnerships demonstrate how regional players come together to test new materials and automation techniques, accelerating the adoption of sustainable practices across the industry.