Roomba-maker iRobot has filed a patent for a 3D printer that streamlines the production process by assembling parts without human assistance. The “Robotic Fabricator” would eliminate human error, and the printer would maintain flexibility in what it could produce. The printer would have the ability to “handle connectors, seams, and fasteners that lock parts together,” which is often the source of defective products.

“For anyone who has ever struggled with assembling Ikea furniture: iRobot’s 3D printer not only manufactures objects, but puts them together for you,” notes Ars Technica.

The patent describes a printer that “fuses additive and subtractive manufacturing with in-situ component placement to provide completely autonomous all-in-one product manufacturing.” The printer will utilize two manipulators that can work together to fasten items.

“The first manipulator supports and manipulates an item, and is configured to provide six-axes of movement for positioning of the item relative the tool-head,” explains the filing abstract. “The second manipulator carries a component and orients the component at a select orientation relative to the item supported on the first manipulator.”

Previously, robotic assemblers have struggled to expand beyond limited functionality, but the “big advantage of iRobot’s printer would be that it can streamline the process of assembly while retaining flexibility in what it can assemble; all it needs is a set of instructions,” reports Ars Technica.

While the article suggests these printers will not appear in homes any time soon, they “could have big implications for factories that need flexibility in their manufacturing process.”

“The fabrication machine may be used in factories, individuals or military in the field for producing and repairing products,” adds 3ders.org. “The processes, including FDM and Robocasting, will allow for products composed of numerous materials, including ABS, polycarbonate, silicone rubbers, urethane rubbers, and plastics, and low melting temperature metals, as well as combinations of these materials.”