Laser technologies are well established, especially in the field of metal processing. In particular, the laser-based metal welding is widely used in the automotive industry. As for the case of laser processing of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP), it is still under development. The primary reasons for the delay in the industrial establishment of laser processes in automated large batch production of CFRP structures are the achievable cutting and drilling qualities and the lack of flexible and reliable automated three-dimensional processes. In the last couple years the laser processing of CFRP has been the subject of quite a few R&D-projects. Based on the corresponding process knowledge, the project HolQueSt 3D co-ordinated by Volkswagen AG was started, bringing the laser processing of composites towards an industrial level. The main objective is to develop a robot based three-dimensional cutting technology, and to analyse the process in its entirety, including the assessment and the post-treatment of process emissions. This holistic approach is necessary in order to ensure a target-oriented transfer of this new technology into an industrial environment. In this context, all applied workplace ordinances as well as economic issues are covered.