The woodworking industry is experiencing dynamic growth and transformation, driven by a booming global market and rising demand for sustainable and innovative wood products.

Founded in 1983, Fabbrica Unique has grown into one of North America’s premier millwork service providers, renowned for its custom-crafted solutions across the retail, hospitality, and residential sectors. With a deep understanding of how design elevates brand experiences, Fabbrica Unique blends creativity, precision manufacturing, and personalized service to deliver standout environments. As the company continued to scale, it recognized that maintaining its high standards required more than tradition—it demanded innovation. 

When Unique sought to elevate its craftsmanship, it turned to London, Ontario-based systems integrator Edge Automation, which boasts decades of experience and a reputation for integrity in the custom automation industry.

Bespoke Craftsmanship, Elevated

Fabbrica Unique, known for its dedication to bespoke craftsmanship, faced a pivotal moment when considering automation. The idea of integrating robotics into a facility where every workpiece is treated as a unique, handcrafted item initially met with cultural resistance. For a team deeply invested in the artistry and storytelling behind each product, automation felt like a potential threat to their identity.

Solution

• Handle large and heavy cabinet panels with precision, reducing manual strain while maintaining quality standards.
• Unloads, drills and dowels wood paneling varying in size from 3” wide up to 96” long.
• Panel sorting is based on part family, by kitchen, as well as common dimensions.
• Automatic CNC nest unloading
• Intuitive human machine interface (HMI)
• Manual, automatic and hybrid sorting modes

To address Fabbrica Unique’s complex needs, Edge Automation proposed the CabSort™ MAX system—a modular, intelligent material-handling robotic cell featuring a Kawasaki ZX130L flexible, heavy-duty robot. The Robotic Nest Unloading solution sits directly at the outfeed conveyor of the nesting CNC machine, where it actively streamlines post-processing operations. As soon as the CNC machine finishes its cutting cycle, it automatically labels each part—ensuring traceability and keeping everything aligned with downstream processes.

Once labeled, the cut parts transverse to an outfeed conveyor, where the robotic system initiates the finishing and sorting process. Equipped with an advanced custom vision and gripping end-of-arm tool (EOAT), the robot identifies, picks, and sorts each part with precision. The CabSort™ MAX system eliminates the need for manual unloading, which is often repetitive, time-consuming, and ergonomically challenging.

As part of Kawasaki’s general-purpose, high-payload range, the ZX130L is a workhorse with a wide work envelope (130 kg payload) and a long reach of up to 2,951 mm. Mounted to a robot transfer unit (RTU), the ZX130L gains a 7th axis, enabling optimal space utilization, operations, and reach. This configuration allows the robot to pick each panel from a nest position and process it accordingly, thanks to the custom vision-guided end-of-arm tool (EOAT).

Vertical Integration with CabSort™ VAULT 

After successfully implementing CabSort™ MAX, Fabbrica Unique saw significant improvements in efficiency and throughput. Encouraged by the results, the company sought to streamline its panel handling and sequencing operations further.

Just six months later, Fabbrica Unique expanded its automation capabilities by integrating Edge Automation’s CabSort™ VAULT into its production line. This advanced system features a shelf-mounted Kawasaki BT200L robot explicitly designed for high-speed, overhead applications.

The Kawasaki BT200L brings powerful performance to the CabSort™ VAULT system. With a payload capacity of up to 200 kg and a maximum reach of 3,151 mm, the robot handles large panels with speed and precision. Its overhead mounting design coupled with the verticality of CabSort™ VAULT, frees up valuable floor space while enabling efficient storage and sequencing.

Results: 80% Faster, Max Material Yield, Better Usage of Space

CabSort™ MAX

• Up to 80% faster than manual sorting
• Maximize material yield by decreasing material waste
• Scaling production from one-offs to batches reduced costs in labor and material expenses per unit, reduced production time and upscaled operations to meet higher demand.
• CNC nest unloading – average 50-70 sheets per shift
• Panel Mating – a feature that allows for defined panels such as end panels and gables, or tops and bottoms, for a specific cabinet to be mated together prior to down stacking on horizontal carts resulting in less errors with edge banding and cabinet assembly.

CabSort™ VAULT

• 2,800* panels in 48” deep slots ranging in size from 3” x 8” up to 96” x 48”
• 230* cabinet box kits in sequence for assembly
• Better utilization of space due to verticality allowed Fabbrica Unique to process hundreds of pieces a day resulting in increased uptime due to batch production.

*during 8 hour outfeed mode

Like a master artisan’s chisel, the CabSort™ technology became an extension of Fabbrica Unique’s creative process, freeing the team from repetitive, hazardous tasks and allowing them to focus on what they do best: creating exceptional, story-rich pieces.

Pushing the Boundaries of Automation with Kawasaki Robotics

Edge Automation specialize in delivering innovative, end-to-end automation solutions tailored to the unique needs of their clients. With decades of combined experience across industries, their team thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges. Whether it’s integrating robotics into existing systems, designing custom automation cells, or scaling up production with cutting-edge technology.

Edge Automation prides themselves on being flexible and OEM-agnostic, working with a wide range of robot manufacturers to ensure the best fit for every project. But when it comes to the most demanding applications, those that require deep customization, creative problem-solving, and close project collaboration, Kawasaki Robotics has proven to be an exceptional partner.

At Edge Automation, we work with all major robot OEMs, but when it comes to the truly challenging projects—the ones that demand deep customization and real project collaboration—Kawasaki Robotics stands out. They don’t just provide robots; they provide solutions. It’s like having a natural conversation: here’s the problem, how can we solve it together? No red tape, no delays—just a flexible, responsive partner who gives our projects the attention they deserve and feels like an extension of their team. That kind of support makes all the difference.

Gerard Regier, President, Edge Automation

Why It Works

• Collaborative Engineering: Kawasaki’s team engages early and often helping customers shape solutions from concept to deployment.
• Customization Without Compromise: Whether it’s software integration or mechanical design, Kawasaki Robotics adapts to the project—not the other way around.
• Responsiveness That Matters: In high-stakes automation, timing is everything. Kawasaki’s commitment to support and flexibility helps Edge Automation deliver on time, every time.

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Kawasaki Robotics (USA), Inc.

With over 50 years of experience in the automation industry, Kawasaki is a leading supplier of industrial robots and robotic automation systems with expertise in a wide range of applications and industries. We deliver the best value robot offerings by providing a rich set of standard features on all robot models for application flexibility, renowned Kawasaki quality and performance, and unmatched customer support and after-sales service. Learn more about Kawasaki Robotics here, watch robot application videos, and connect on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Edge Automation

Edge Automation is a leading provider of custom-designed and manufactured automated assembly, testing, and material handling systems. Since 2002, Edge Automation has been a full-service systems integrator, offering end-to-end project execution—from concept and design to manufacturing, programming, and on-site installation. Learn more about Edge Automation here, and connect on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.