Globe Machine and FANUC drive a new era of scalable robotic wood production for Superwood
Globe Machine is helping the woodworking industry move into a faster, safer and more scalable future with a fully integrated robotic material-handling system developed with FANUC technology. Built for Superwood’s advanced wood manufacturing process, the system shows how robotics can support complex production at commercial scale.
As a FANUC Authorized System Integrator, Globe Machine has engineered a solution that brings together multiple heavy payload FANUC robots. These robots automate the movement of highly variable board materials, veneer, wire mesh and metal plates. This is a major step for wood manufacturers that handle heavy, uneven and delicate materials every day.
The system is designed around Superwood’s chemical delignification and densification workflow. This process needs accuracy, repeatability and careful handling. Manual labour can slow production and increase safety risks. Globe Machine’s robotic system reduces these challenges while improving consistency across the line.
Producing 1M+ Sq Ft Annually—Transforming Wood Production at Scale
One of the biggest achievements of the system is its ability to support commercial-scale production. The solution can help produce more than 1 million square feet annually, giving Superwood the ability to move beyond limited production and enter a more reliable industrial phase.
This is important for modern wood manufacturing. Producers need speed, quality and safety at the same time. Traditional manual handling often struggles when materials vary in shape, size or weight. Globe Machine’s system addresses this issue by using robotics to lift, place and transfer components with precision.
The system also reduces the need for workers to manually handle heavy and awkward materials. This improves safety on the production floor. It can also help reduce fatigue, injury risk and labour pressure in demanding industrial environments.
FANUC Vision Technology Improves Accuracy and Flexibility
A key part of the system is FANUC’s iRVision 3DV technology. Mounted on each M-900iB/400, the vision system helps robots identify and locate boards and interlayer components inside stacked materials.
This matters because wood production is rarely uniform. Boards can vary. Mesh and metal plates may sit in mixed stacks. The robot must know exactly where each component is before it can handle it correctly. FANUC’s 3D vision helps solve this challenge by allowing the robots to detect variable materials and adjust their movements.
The system also uses M-410iC robots fitted with custom tools. These include a vacuum tool and a dual-servo fork tool. Together, they allow flexible and gentle handling without constant retooling. This gives the production line more freedom to manage different part geometries while keeping the process smooth.
Heavy Payload Robots Support Demanding Industrial Handling
The FANUC M-410iC/315 plays a strong role in high-speed handling. Designed specifically for palletising and handling applications, the M-410 series builds on FANUC’s experience as the company that built the “world’s first dedicated palletizing robot.” This compact four-axis model can manage payloads up to 315 kg, making it suitable for precise and fast industrial movement.
The M-410iC/500 adds even more power. With a 500 kg payload capacity and extended reach, it is built for tough end-of-line tasks. It can handle heavy bags, cases and bulk materials with speed and control.
For larger handling needs, the M-900iB/400L offers strong lifting capacity, floor-mounted stability and six-axis flexibility. Its extended reach makes it well suited for heavy payload applications across a wider work envelope.
Together, Globe Machine and FANUC have created a practical example of how robotic automation can transform wood production. The system improves safety, increases throughput and brings consistency to a demanding process. For woodworking manufacturers looking to scale, this project signals a clear shift towards smarter, safer and more flexible production.
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