The partners include MüllerBlaustein, the engineered timber and timber construction company, an industrial robotics manufacturer and several research institutes, led by the University of Stuttgart.
The idea is to use a complete digital chain from conception to manufacture. "In the past timber fabrication processes were focused on either manual work or mass production of single elements. Robotic fabrication expands the range of manufacturing possibilities," a spokesman said.
"The goal is to develop innovative, performative and sustainable construction systems made from wood, which also expand the repertoire of architectural expression in timber construction."
A source in the timber frame sector said that while there had been investment in automation and ideas for robotics such as lasers to aim nailing guns, the work remained largely manual and, more importantly, skilled. "Robotics has to come," the source said.
The research in Germany has led to several prototype structures and, with a €425,000 EU grant, is now being expanded into practical projects.
