The latest advances of the REMAIN project were presented at Futurmoda on 15 October, during a session highlighting the opportunities offered by footwear remanufacturing. The presentation showcased the robotics, computer vision and artificial intelligence technologies being developed to extend product lifespans, while emphasising the essential role of ecodesign in driving the transition towards a more sustainable and circular footwear industry.
Under the title “Remanufacturable Footwear: Opportunities for Intelligent Robotics to Facilitate Remanufacturing and Support the Transition towards a Circular Industry”, José María Gutiérrez Hernández, Automation and Robotics Technician at Inescop, presented the project’s main advances and the opportunities these technologies offer to the sector at one of Spain’s leading annual trade fairs for footwear components and machinery.
The presentation addressed the challenges involved in recovering used footwear, particularly due to the diversity of materials, joining methods and difficulties in identifying and repairing damage. In this context, REMAIN is developing solutions based on computer vision, tactile sensors and artificial intelligence to detect defects and facilitate the robotic handling of products.
The session also showcased progress on the project’s technological demonstrators, including a damage detection system and a robotic cell designed to prepare footwear for repair or remanufacturing. The Ecodesign Guide for Remanufacturing was also presented, providing practical recommendations for designing products that are more durable, easier to repair and recover.
Participation in Futurmoda provided an opportunity to share REMAIN’s results with footwear industry professionals and highlight the potential of the circular economy to enhance competitiveness, create added value and explore new business models.
Project partners
The REMAIN project, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg Sudoe Programme, is led by Inescop – Footwear Technology Centre. The project brings together the Universities of Zaragoza, Alicante, Coimbra, and Clermont Auvergne INP; the Federation of Spanish Footwear Industries (FICE); SMA-RTY; Automática y Control Numérico; and AIDA CCI, with the social association Proyecto Lázaro participating as a collaborating entity.