Customised furniture factories at shopping centres near you

Financial crises and global competition have slowed the furniture sector, which generates an annual turnover of around EUR 130 billion and accounts for 1.4 million jobs. One way to jumpstart this key manufacturing industry is to focus on design and innovation.

With this in mind, the EU-funded CTC (Local flexible manufacturing of green personalized furniture close to the customer in time, space and cost) project is developing a concept for a mini-factory where customers can choose their own custom-made furniture and then witness its production behind a glass pane. Set-up is mainly foreseen in shopping centres, but also in hardware shops or supporting factory outlets.

During the first 18 months, the technology used in other similar innovations was analysed to identify gaps, and the CTC factory concept architecture and validation scenarios were defined.

The CTC concept design is under development, including tools and engineering methods that will be consistent with manufacturing. Design and manufacturing constraints have been proposed. Following the definition of software architecture, communication interfaces were analysed. The implementation of a basic design tool that supports customisable product design is underway, and the design of new software running on a tablet that will be used by customers with the assistance of shop operators is complete.

A standardised mini-factory production system model has been developed. The identification of a green label standard that is compatible with CTC concept requirements is being carried out.

Project partners have also identified 31 key performance indicators to assess the developed tools.

CTC intends to bring the furniture factory to the customer, rather than the other way round. Consumers will be able to order furniture tailored to their exact needs and preferences, and watch as the production process unfolds before their very eyes.