ZOZO NEXT and AVITA Sign MOU for Humanoid Robot Clothing Research
The MOU sets out a research plan for a category that does not yet have established material or design knowledge, robot-specific clothing, with the two companies aiming to start work in January 2027.
Reporting from 1 source: ASCII.jp.
ZOZO NEXT and AVITA signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday, October 15, 2026 toward joint research on clothing made specifically for humanoid robots. The two companies will discuss research themes and aim to begin joint research in January 2027. ZOZO NEXT brings smart textile work such as the Ambient Weaving concept, while AVITA brings robot structure, movement, and human-robot communication knowledge from its AVACOM avatar service.
The companies frame the problem in physical terms. Humanoid joints move differently from human joints, their exteriors and heat output differ, and a robot cannot straighten clothing that has bunched or shifted on its own, so human garments cannot simply be worn as they are. Clothing for robots working near people, in customer service or nursing care, could also carry functions such as signaling intent or sensing contact. ZOZO NEXT's side of the work covers smart textiles, sewing, pattern design, and measurement, including the Ambient Weaving concept developed with the University of Tokyo and HOSOO, and the Monkyo exhibition, which used a textile speaker. AVITA's side covers robot structure and movement and human-robot communication through AVACOM.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.