Researchers explore automated textile recycling system

A research team at Rochester Institute of Technology’s Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) is developing a fully automated system to identify, sort, and disassemble garments at high speed and in high volume for textile recycling.

Working with industry partners Nike, Goodwill, and Ambercycle, the system uses AI and laser technology to identify and remove non-recyclable elements like zippers, logos, and mixed materials.