Scientists unveil breakthrough robot that can dress people without human help

A team of US and South Korean researchers has developed an innovative self-dressing robotic technology. This technology allows a person to suit up without using their hands or assistance from others with potential applications used in chip cleanrooms and emergency services.

The groundbreaking technology developed by researchers at South Korea’s KAIST and Stanford University uses soft, flexible pneumatic vine-inspired robots that are embedded in clothing and powered by air pressure.

The vines sweep the fabric close to the wearer’s body while applying pressure just like an ivy climbing structure even if the person is not standing still.

In this connection, KAIST postdoctoral researcher Kim Nam Gyun said: “ When I was riding a bicycle, it started to rain and I thought it would be helpful if a raincoat could be put on automatically.”

“The vine robot stays close to the person and dresses them by returning the clothing inside out as it moves, allowing it to climb stably along the shape of the body,” he added.

According to a professor of civil and environmental engineering at KAIST, the innovation was inspired by climbing ivy-the robot grows continuously at its tip rather than shifting its entire body, enabling stable movement along curved surfaces.

Beyond future applications for helping the elderly and disabled, the team recognizes the technology's potential to suit-up and undress quickly without using hands, including which could benefit semiconductor cleanroom workers and first responders requiring personal protective equipment.

Nonetheless, the team has given attention to the exponential growth of AI, and undoubtedly the team’s self-dressing robot was a key example of how mechanical engineering can augment software.