The invention relates to a folding device (1) and a folding method, wherein said folding device (1) is preferably implemented as a robotic folding device. It has at least one manipulator (13), which can be moved in multiple axes, having at least one folding tool (12), which is carried along, and a buttress (15), which receives and supports the folding forces applied using the folding tool (12). For this purpose, a support device (16), which can be supported fixed in place outside the workpiece (2), can be associated with the buttress (15). The folding device (1) is preferably intended and configured for curved folded edges (5) of wheel wells (3) of vehicle bodies. The buttress (15) can have a protection device (57) for the soft advance of the molded part (19) or the folding bed (15) to the workpiece (2). The folding forces applied using the folding tool (12) are supported on a mobile buttress (15), which is advanced to the workpiece area (3) to be folded.