Fabrica - Cloth Folding Robot
Build your own automated laundry folding machine with 3D printed parts and simple electronics
Watch Fabrica fold a t-shirt in 8-12 seconds with parallel motor execution
Introduction
Fabrica is an open-source cloth folding robot designed to automate one of the most tedious household chores: folding laundry. Using a modular system of hinged panels and servo motors, this DIY machine can fold t-shirts, towels, and other garments in just 8-12 seconds per item with the press of a single button.
Fabrica can be built for $80-150 using readily available components, 3D printed parts, and simple electronics. The system is powered by a Raspberry Pi Pico 2W microcontroller running MicroPython, with support for up to 16 servo motors controlled via a PCA9685 PWM driver.
What makes Fabrica unique is its parallel motor execution system — multiple panels can fold simultaneously, creating fluid, human-like motions. You can teach the robot new folding patterns directly using the button interface, no computer required. All sequences are saved to persistent storage and ready the moment you power on.
The panel system is completely modular and customizable. Motorized modules, follower modules, and base modules can be arranged in any configuration you need — 2×2, 4×3, 4×4, 5×5, 6×6, or even non-square arrangements. The standard 4×3 configuration provides optimal performance for most garments. With support for up to 16 motorized modules plus unlimited follower and base modules, you can create custom layouts optimized for different garment types. Once arranged, simply program the folding sequence to specify which panels fold and in what order.
💡 Perfect For
- • Makers and DIY enthusiasts looking for a practical robotics project
- • Robotics hobbyists learning about servo control and parallel execution
- • Anyone tired of folding laundry manually
- • Educational projects for schools, makerspaces, and STEM programs
- • Customization enthusiasts who want to design their own folding patterns
What You Will Build
Hardware Components
- 🔧Modular folding panel system (motorized, follower, and base modules)
- 🎛️Raspberry Pi Pico 2W microcontroller
- ⚡PCA9685 16-channel PWM servo controller
- 🤖Up to 16 MG996R servo motors (or similar 0-180°)
- 🖨️14 unique 3D printed parts (frame, panels, shafts, holders)
- 🎮4-button control interface with LED feedback
- 🔌5V power supply (3-10A depending on motor count)
Software Features
- 🐍MicroPython firmware with production-ready error handling
- 🎯Parallel motor execution (multiple panels fold simultaneously)
- 🎬Multi-step sequence system with recording using 4-button interface
- 💾Persistent storage to remember recorded sequences
- ⚙️Easy configuration system
- 📱Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled (Pico 2W) for future extensions
- 🤖Coming soon: AI-powered fabric detection for automatic folding optimization
- 📱Coming soon: Mobile app for wireless button configuration and sequence management
Key Features
Fast Folding
Fold a t-shirt in 8-12 seconds. Parallel motor execution means multiple panels move simultaneously for human-like, fluid motion.
Fully Customizable Layout
Arrange modules in any configuration — 2×2, 4×3 (recommended), 4×4, 5×5, 6×6, or custom shapes. Mix up to 16 motorized modules with unlimited follower and base modules for any garment type.
Affordable Build
Total cost $80-150 depending on motor count and configuration. All parts available on major shopping websites, local electronics stores, or shop directly on this site and support development of future versions. No expensive specialized components.
Button Programming
Record new folding sequences using the 4-button interface. No computer needed — teach patterns by button counting.
LED Feedback
Visual feedback with integrated LED guides you through configuration mode, confirms steps, and indicates system status during operation.
Future: AI Fabric Detection
Coming soon: AI-powered fabric detection automatically identifies garment type and optimizes folding sequences. Mobile app enables wireless configuration of all buttons and easy pattern sharing.
Persistent Memory
All sequences saved to flash memory. Power on and fold — no reprogramming needed. Each button remembers its custom folding pattern.
Production Ready
Comprehensive error handling, I2C retry logic, input validation, and atomic storage. Built for reliability, not just demos.
How It Works
Modular Panel Architecture
Fabrica uses three types of panels that work together:
- Motorized Modules:Directly connected to servo motors via 3D printed shafts. Each motor can rotate its panel 0-180° for active folding.
- Follower Modules:Hinged to motorized modules and moved by their motion. No motor required — extends your folding surface economically.
- Base Modules:Flat, stationary modules that provide landing surface for garments. No shaft or moving parts — simple support structure.
Parallel Execution System
Unlike simple sequential robots, Fabrica can trigger multiple servos simultaneously. This creates fluid, human-like folding motions. Multiple panels can move together in perfect synchronization, then the next set of panels folds in sequence — creating professional, efficient folds.
Example T-Shirt Folding Sequence:
💡 Total time: ~4 seconds (vs 6.5 seconds if sequential). Parallel execution saves 40% time!
Easy Programming Interface
No computer needed for daily use! Four buttons control everything:
Short Press (< 3s)
Execute the saved folding sequence for that button. Perfect for everyday use.
Long Press (3+ seconds)
Enter config mode to record new sequences. LED feedback guides you through the process.
Ready to Get Started? 🚀
The Getting Started guide will help you choose your building path and walk you through everything you need to build your Fabrica cloth folding robot, from planning to final assembly.