Installed at a large home improvement retailer, this advanced lumber-picking system brings a new level of convenience and safety to the shopping experience. Using a robotic arm on a guided track, the system efficiently manages and picks lumber stored in a multi-layered racking structure. The racks are designed to hold different sizes and types of lumber—like 2x4x10s and 4x4x6s—on two primary picking layers, with a third layer dedicated to additional storage.

A customer simply selects their desired lumber type and quantity through a digital interface, for example, 10 pieces of 2x4x10 and 2 pieces of 2x12x12. Once selected, they can continue shopping while the system automatically calculates the optimal picking order to ensure a safe, balanced stack. The robot retrieves the requested items, organizes them, and sends the assembled stack through an automatic banding machine, securely preparing the order for pickup.

By the time the customer is ready to leave, their lumber is bundled and ready for easy pickup—eliminating the need for heavy lifting and reducing the risk of injury. This innovative installation at a home improvement retailer enhances shopper safety, saves time, and makes the lumber-buying experience smoother and more efficient.

This video takes the cable robot concept further, adding a full simulation to show the complete proposed application. From picking stock out of mixed bunk lengths to placing it on a simulated linear saw infeed, this demo highlights how the system can remove manual handling and improve efficiency in real-world truss plants.

Concept simulations like this help visualize the future of automation in component manufacturing.

The single robotic panel system is a fast and versatile solution designed for efficient panel production in either wood or cold-formed steel (CFS) construction. Engineered for speed, it can be set up to handle one material type at a time, allowing it to efficiently complete batches of panels in either wood or CFS. Once a batch of one material is completed, the system can quickly switch over to the other material type, making it ideal for manufacturers who need flexibility in production without sacrificing pace.

This streamlined system assembles panel frameworks with precision, using advanced automation to place studs and fasteners accurately. After each panel is framed, window and door openings are added manually, enabling easy customization as needed. Built to optimize throughput, this system is perfect for high-speed, batch-oriented production while delivering reliable quality across both wood and steel construction projects.

In this advanced setup, the delivery conveyors for preplated roof members are positioned exclusively above the outfeed rollers, creating an efficient, streamlined workflow. This configuration provides a clear, uninterrupted path for completed trusses to be slid onto the outfeed rollers while new, preplated members are delivered directly to the assembly tables. By utilizing only the space above the outfeed rollers, the system maximizes floor space, reducing congestion around the assembly area and freeing up valuable space within the facility.

This overhead delivery solution not only improves workflow efficiency but also enhances safety by maintaining organized pathways around the tables. The clear division of incoming and outgoing material flows allows operators to work faster and more effectively, enabling a continuous and efficient cycle of truss production without compromising workspace.

In this video we take things a step further, picking up a large truss from the bottom chord, leaving it hanging upside down. Even with the unusual orientation, the robotic system handles it with stability and precision. This demonstration shows the versatility of automation in truss movement, proving that even non-standard picks are possible without issue.

This one-story modular manufacturing facility is a streamlined, centralized hub dedicated to the efficient production of fully automated walls, floors, and ceilings for modular construction. Inside, advanced robotics and automation systems handle assembly, ensuring high-quality precision and consistency across every component. By consolidating operations in a single location, this facility allows workers to benefit from a stable work environment, eliminating the need to move between job sites daily.

Beyond improved workforce satisfaction, this setup enhances inventory management, with materials consistently stocked and monitored on-site, reducing delays. Production management and planning are optimized through integrated systems that track workflow, predict needs, and ensure seamless operation from start to finish. This facility stands as a comprehensive solution to modular construction, balancing automation with a consistent workspace to drive productivity, quality, and worker satisfaction.