Supfina and Offenburg University Strengthen Collaboration in Robotics

Under the motto “Together for an Innovative Future,” Supfina Grieshaber GmbH is expanding its collaboration with Offenburg University of Applied Sciences and providing students and doctoral candidates with a flexible robotic cell for research and development projects.

 Press Release by Supfina Grieshaber GmbH & Co. KG, July 16, 2026

Through this partnership, both organizations aim to further strengthen knowledge transfer between academia and industry while developing innovative solutions for the manufacturing technologies of tomorrow. The collaboration will focus particularly on camera-based and AI-driven applications, as well as robotic grinding and polishing processes that are expected to play a key role in future production environments.

“We are pleased to support Offenburg University in its research activities. At the same time, we expect this collaboration to provide valuable insights and create sustainable added value for joint developments in the field of robotic precision surface finishing,” said Rainer Bell, Product Manager at Supfina, the Black Forest-based solution provider for surface finishing technologies.

The Work-Life Robotics Institute (WLRI) at Offenburg University is headed by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Wendt. The institute brings together applied research in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and additive manufacturing, developing forward-looking technologies in close cooperation with a wide range of regional industry partners.

“We are very proud to have received the robotic cell from Supfina. It enables us to address industrial and research requirements even more effectively. Our focus will be on expanding real-world applications and implementing projects that are closely aligned with industrial practice,” said Thomas Wendt.

This partnership underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to advancing innovative technologies and sustainably strengthening competitiveness in this important field of business.