KAIST, Stanford Develop Self-Dressing Robot for Cleanrooms and Emergency Gear

Researchers from South Korea’s Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Stanford University have developed an innovative self-dressing robotic technology that allows people to put on clothing without using their hands or relying on assistance, opening new possibilities for healthcare, semiconductor manufacturing, and emergency response.

The wearable system uses soft, flexible air-powered "vine" robots integrated into garments. Once activated, the inflatable vines move through the clothing, gradually turning it inside out while guiding the fabric along the wearer’s body. Inspired by the climbing behavior of ivy plants, the robotic vines extend from their tips instead of moving the entire structure, enabling smooth movement around curved surfaces and through tight spaces.

According to lead researcher Kim Nam Gyun, a KAIST postdoctoral researcher, the idea emerged after imagining how convenient it would be if a raincoat could automatically put itself on while someone was riding a bicycle in the rain. The technology can fully dress a person in approximately 10 seconds and functions even if the wearer is walking or moving, eliminating the need to remain perfectly still.

Unlike many wearable robotic systems, the self-dressing technology does not depend on complex control algorithms. Instead, its mechanical design allows it to naturally adapt to different body shapes and movement patterns while maintaining close contact with the user.

Professor Ryu Jee-Hwan of KAIST explained that the vine-inspired robot can navigate narrow gaps, adapt to surrounding environments, and travel across slippery, sticky, or inclined surfaces, making it suitable for a wide range of real-world conditions.

Beyond assisting elderly individuals and people with disabilities, the researchers believe the technology could significantly improve efficiency in semiconductor cleanrooms, where workers frequently wear protective suits, as well as for firefighters, medical personnel, and other emergency responders who need to quickly put on personal protective equipment (PPE).

The team also emphasized that while artificial intelligence often dominates robotics discussions, advances in mechanical engineering remain equally important for developing practical robotic systems. Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters.