Current projects include:

• The Autumn Chair and Autumn Rocker

• Animation & Visualization Software for Optimum Layout of CNC Machinery: Furniture Production Simulation

• Study: Current Conditions and Future Prospects of the U.S. Woodworking Industry

The laboratory engages the wood products industry in research and development of new products, new wood materials research and development, broad-based marketing of wood products, advanced manufacturing techniques utilizing technology and software, and accessing qualified new personnel (and retrained veteran personnel) through the training programs of the laboratory.

In addition, the laboratory explores potential wood products and structures suitable for automated manufacturing processes. The laboratory works with industry, University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forest Resources, as well as other units of Georgia Institute of Technology to investigate the properties of wood materials and new wood composites to explore their potential for manufactured products in the consumer market and in architectural applications. The laboratory will move, in time, to the development of environmentally friendly finishing applications for wood products - and extend its collaborative research outreach to institutions with such expertise such as the University of British Columbia’s School of Forestry.

The laboratory will provide a foundation for faculty and graduate student applied research projects to advance the state-of-the-art of the wood products manufacturing process and applications of that process to new wood products with commercial potential. To expedite this area of work, projects will be developed by the faculty and students from Georgia Tech's Architecture Program, Industrial Design Program, and the Building Construction Program in the College of Architecture. This participation will also include the work of centers throughout Georgia Tech, including the Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA).

For more information, contact Russell T. Gentry via e-mail at russell.gentry@coa.gatech.edu  or by phone at (404) 894-3845.