Samenvatting

Collaborating with industry partners, the study investigates the use of digital design and robotic technology to optimize the utilization of residual wood. By employing computational design, custom products can be generated from mixed wood batches, enabling circular applications previously unattainable through manual methods. Notably, a reception desk was produced for the Johan Cruyff Arena using over 300 parts of residual hardwood, highlighting market potential for interiors from used wood in hospitality, a sector striving to become more sustainable. The research focuses on developing a smart ‘upcycle wood factory’ powered by Industry 4.0 technologies, integrating automated processing, digital twins for simulation, and a framework for comprehensive impact assessments. This framework facilitates exploration of upcycling opportunities while optimizing economic and environmental outcomes, paving the way for future industrial applications of circular wood solutions.