Mobile CNC tending automation

Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), together with industry partners, is developing a mobile tending solution for CNC wood processing machines within an Innosuisse project. A modular prototype will be presented in autumn 2025.

Factsheet

Schools involved School of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering
Institute(s) Institute for Digital Construction and Wood Industry IDBH
Research unit(s) Digital Fabrication group FGDF
Funding organisation Innosuisse
Duration (planned) 01.05.2023 - 31.12.2025
Head of project Prof. Simon von Gunten
Project staff Joel Lucas Burkhalter
Nikita Aigner
Prof. Eduard Bachmann
Prof. Dr. Gabriel Gruener
Partner Bachmann Engineering AG
vonrickenbach.swiss ag
Weinig HOLZ-HER Schweiz AG
Keywords Robotics, mobile robotics, AGV, CNC, woodwork, intralogistics

Situation

Together with its industry partners vonrickenbach.swiss ag, Weinig Holz-Her Schweiz AG and Bachmann Engineering AG (IAR Group), the Institute for Digital Economy in the Construction and Wood Industry – in collaboration with the Robotics Laboratory of the Institute for Human Centered Engineering – has developed a mobile tending solution for joiners and cabinetmakers .

Course of action

The first part of the project focused on technical challenges, such as basic programming, referencing and the control of different machines. Successful field tests were carried out at vonrickenbach.swiss ag using a prototype developed at BFH. Additionally, a market survey was conducted within the joinery and cabinetmaker sector. The results proved that the solution performed well in a woodworking environment and indicated strong interest from the industry. On this basis, the project team developed a fully operational, modular prototype during the second part of the project, which will be adapted to industry requirements. The prototype can be moved manually and can also be combined with an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) system for additional mobility. Separating the AGV and tending robot means the AGV can also perform logistical tasks, creating added value. With a 20 kg load capacity, the robot used can handle components the size of a closet wall.