Smart Automation in Luxury Leather Shoe Polishing: A Human Centric Robotic Approach

TL;DR

This paper presents a human-centric robotic system for luxury shoe polishing that combines automation with skilled craftsmanship to improve quality and efficiency in a delicate, labor-intensive process.

Contribution

It introduces a collaborative robotic cell with force control and trajectory design tailored for luxury shoe polishing, integrating human expertise into the automation process.

Findings

Significant quality improvements in shoe polishing

Successful industrial implementation of the robotic system

Enhanced operator well-being and productivity

Abstract

The polishing of luxury leather shoes is a delicate, labor intensive process traditionally performed by skilled craftsmen. Footwear companies aim to automate parts of this process to enhance quality, productivity, and operator well-being, but the unique nature of luxury shoe production presents challenges. This paper introduces a solution involving a collaborative robotic cell to assist in shoe polishing. A collaborative robotic manipulator, equipped with a specialized tool and governed by force control, executes the polishing tasks. Key factors such as trajectory design, applied force, polishing speed, and polish amount were analyzed. Polishing trajectories are designed using CAM software and transferred to the robot control system. Human operators design the process, supervise the robot, and perform final finishing, ensuring their expertise is integral to achieving quality. Extensive testing on various shoe models showed significant improvements in quality and reliability, leading to successful implementation on an industrial production line.