Design and Implementation of a Cartesian-based Automatic Ironing Robot using Vision-Guided Steam and Vacuum End-Effector

Ironing garments has become a day-to-day routine of mankind. In the era of development of home automation processes such as monitoring and control of lighting, climate analysis, home appliances, etc., ironing garments automatically can become one of the simple steps that can be climbed on towards the future. This paper explains the designing and implementation of Automatic Ironing Machine by using the novel combination of Machine Vision, Robotics and Control Systems. This system operates by a vision-based approach to analyze the garment, identifying key features like boundary detection and determining optimal ironing paths by using Edge Detection methods used in image processing. A Cartesian robot, equipped with a custom-designed end effector incorporating a vacuum system and steam generation system for executing the ironing process. The combination of all these systems ensures precise and efficient ironing. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach in achieving wrinkle-free garments with minimal user intervention, paving the way for a new era of smart home laundry solutions.