Woodworking Technician: Cobot Replaces Cordless Screwdriver

Wood Technology Technical Thesis: Cobot Replaces Cordless Screwdriver

As a forward-looking company, we actively support the next generation of professionals in the field of wood technology and offer students the opportunity to carry out their technical thesis projects in a practical setting at our company. Whether it’s process optimization, automation, manufacturing technology, production planning, or innovative Industry 4.0 applications, our projects address real-world challenges and provide valuable insights into modern production processes in the wood industry.

A current example is the six-month technical project titled “Cobot Replaces Cordless Screwdriver.” The goal of the project was to plan and develop a workstation for screwing together high-performance panels using a collaborative robot (cobot). The project examined how modern automation technologies can effectively support the carpentry trade.

Focus of the Technical Project: The Cobot as a Workshop Assistant

As part of the technical project, the planning and development of a workstation for assembling power panels using a collaborative robot (cobot) was examined. The goal of the project was to make repetitive work steps more efficient while simultaneously reducing the physical strain on employees during physically demanding tasks.

To this end, a cobot workstation was designed, developed, and tested. The robot was programmed to perform typical screw-fastening processes autonomously. Particular emphasis was placed on high process reliability, repeatability, and easy integration into existing workflows.

Throughout the project, various component geometries, materials, and fastening scenarios were analyzed and tested. This allowed for continuous improvements in the system’s flexibility and reliability. Another key focus was ensuring safe collaboration between humans and machines. As a collaborative robot, the cobot works directly alongside employees and supports them in repetitive tasks without limiting the flexibility required in a skilled trades environment.

The results show that the supportive use of a cobot in the carpentry trade offers great potential. Workflows are standardized, process quality is improved, and skilled workers gain more time for challenging tasks that require experience, creativity, and craftsmanship. This technical work thus provides practical insight into the future of woodworking technology, in which traditional craftsmanship and modern automation are successfully combined.

More About the Cobot

A cobot is a collaborative robotic arm designed specifically to work alongside humans. Equipped with the appropriate tools, it can automatically perform tasks such as drilling, pilot drilling, or fastening. Thanks to built-in safety features, it can be integrated directly into existing work areas and assists employees with repetitive or ergonomically demanding tasks.

Technical Positions at Our Company

We look forward to supporting dedicated young professionals on their career paths and shaping the future of wood technology together. Our technical positions offer the opportunity to put innovative ideas into practice in a hands-on environment and to actively contribute to the further development of modern manufacturing processes.