A new analysis by Dansk Metal has revealed that only one in three Danish furniture manufacturers currently use robots in production, though automation is far more widespread than the figures suggest.
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Mads Gede, chief consultant at Træ- og Møbelindustrien (TMI), noted that even small businesses are adopting technology such as CNC machines and computer-controlled inventory systems. 'Automation is already part of everyday life, even in companies with just 10 to 15 employees,' he said.
However, investment in advanced robotics remains limited, particularly for smaller producers focusing on small-batch production. According to Gede, frequent changes between product series make it difficult to justify the cost and programming demands of flexible robotic systems.
Looking ahead, Gede believes human craftsmanship will remain essential. Upcoming EU regulations requiring repair, reuse, and repurposing of materials are expected to increase the need for manual assessment and handling. 'It becomes harder to automate when dealing with recycled materials or upgrading used products,' he explained.
The findings suggest that the relatively low number of robots in the industry reflects production realities rather than reluctance to embrace technology, with human skill continuing to play a central role in the sector's future.
Source: www.wood-supply.dk
