#JEC WORLD 2022

2022-04-07

ITA demonstrates live robotic draping of reinforcement textiles at JEC World 2022 in Paris

Human and robot jointly drape reinforcement textiles Copyright: © ITA

The ITA Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University will present a collaborative robot (cobot) including tools for semi-automated draping of reinforcement textiles at JEC World 2022 in Paris. The cobot is used without additional safety measures such as protective fences or light barriers thanks to integrated sensor technology. It can thus collaborate directly with humans.

Added value through joint draping of humans and robots

ITA has developed tools that allow joint draping of textiles by humans and cobots. In addition to increasing draping quality and reproducibility, the focus in development was on occupational safety.

Other advantages of this new type of robot-assisted draping are that cobots are inexpensive to procure and easy to program. This results in great flexibility in manufacturing and the possibility to produce small to medium quantities in an automated way.

How can these advantages be exploited in the production of fibre composite components? This is what ITA is investigating, for example in the handling, draping and joining of the sensitive, limp textile material. At the JEC, visitors will have the chance to interact live with the cobot and experience collaborative draping first hand. Please contact Hannah.Dammers@ita.rwth-aachen.de for further information.

Test a live cobot interaction at our booth in hall 6 booth S50 (AZL joint booth) and experience collaborative draping first hand!

Demonstrator for mobile hydrogen storage

Another ITA exhibit is a demonstrator for mobile hydrogen storage in the form of a Type-4 pressure vessel made of fibre-reinforced composites (FRP). It is based on a specially developed liner concept and was manufactured using the multi-filament winding process with towpregs. The exhibit is additionally equipped with fibre optic sensors for strain and temperature monitoring. This enables condition monitoring through structural health monitoring. Please contact Oscar.Bareiro@ita.rwth-aachen.de for further information.

Background

ITA will be demonstrating its expertise in the field of composite materials at the joint stand of the Aachen Center for Lightweight Construction (AZL) in Hall 6, Stand S50. It will present innovations and research priorities in the production of reinforcing fibres, the textile processing of such high-modulus fibres and the impregnation of high-performance modulus fibres with thermoset as well as thermoplastic matrix systems. The ITA will show the entire process chain, from fibre production and processing to the finished component, and will thus be able to present and discuss promising innovations at all levels. It illuminates the issues of composite production and processing from the textile side. The institute's expertise lies in the characteristics of reinforcement and matrix materials, load-oriented textile processing and the manufacture of components made of continuous fibre-reinforced plastics.

The Aachen Center for Lightweight Construction (AZL) as a superordinate partner as well as the partner institutes and companies at the booth cover further topics of FRPs. These are, for example, the load-compliant design of components, plastics-side processing, and extensive testing of components.

TCLF: Resilient value chains in times of crises

The textiles, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) industry was at the centre of the webinar “Resilient value chains in times of crises”, which took place on 28 April 2026. Global supply chains continue to face increasing pressure, raw material dependencies are growing and economic uncertainties are affecting the entire sector.

Elastic yarns to become more recyclable and environmentally friendly in future

On 29 April 2026, ITA student Tobias Dickmeiß was awarded a sponsorship prize by the Wilhelm Lorch-Stiftung for his innovative approach, to replacing conventional elastane with elastic yarns made from thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). Thanks to their thermoplastic nature and compatibility with typical polyesters used in the textile industry, elastic TPC yarns offer improved recyclability. Furthermore, the use of the melt-spinning process in yarn production eliminates the need for solvents that are harmful to the environment and human health.

Walter Reiners Foundation Prize awarded to three ITA graduates

Sabina Dann, Lukas Balon and Annegret Storm from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University were awarded the Walter Reiners Foundation Prize by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) for their master’s and bachelor’s theses. Peter Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation, presented the awards during Techtextil at the VDMA stand in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Barmag and Hitech Automation enter into partnership for an auto-doff system for texturing machines

Barmag (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Hitech Automation Solutions PVT LTD. of Surat, India, have agreed to an exclusive partnership to jointly market Hitech’s Doffmatic automation solution for Barmag’s proven manual eFK texturing machines. In many texturing facilities, manual doffing processes remain heavily operator-dependent – resulting in issues such as increased scrap, inconsistent quality, and limited productivity.

Uster’s new Recycling Opening Index guides spinners to the perfect blend

Uster AFIS 6 now offers the key data for better decisions when blending recycled fibers. Process control is decisive in determining the quality and economic outcome. The new R Recycling Module of AFIS 6 introduces the Recycling Opening Index (ROI), so spinners can optimize their circularity credentials. It was officially launched at ITM 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The heart of the technical textiles and nonwovens world will beat in Istanbul

Only 1 day remains until HIGHTEX 2026 International Technical Textiles and Nonwovens Exhibition opens its doors. Bringing together manufacturers, technology developers, investors, and industry professionals from around the world, HIGHTEX 2026 is preparing to showcase the innovations shaping the future of the industry. As the countdown to this major event continues, Istanbul is once again getting ready to become the meeting point of the global technical textiles industry.

Grasim Industries announces fresh investment of ₹3094 Crore to expand Lyocell capacity

Grasim Industries Limited, the flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group and a global leader in cellulosic fibres, today announced an investment of ₹3,094 crore, for Phase II Lyocell capacity of 110K TPA at Harihar, Karnataka. This expansion will consist of 2 lines of 55K TPA (150 Tons per day) each. The first line is expected to be commissioned by 2028, and the second line is expected to be commissioned by 2030.