Robotics in aerospace

Robotics in Aerospace Manufacturing

All U.S. Stealth aircraft receive a coat of specialized paint so they remain invisible to enemy radar. The paint must be applied impeccably without a bubble or drip. That's why this job is handled by the best of the best - a Motoman P8 industrial robot.

Aerospace manufacturing is unique and specialized. The parts are complex and often gigantic. While it may come as a surprise, this industry has begun to rely more and more on the standard 6-axis industrial robot, not specialized machinery. Here's are some of the top reasons why...

1. Robotics Automation is Economical: 
   Aerospace manufacturers are attracted to robots' cost-effectiveness. The typical 6-axis articulated robot is far more affordable than a custom-built machine and performs just as effectively. Companies that opt for a reconditioned robot can expect to save even more - up to 50%-60% less than the cost of a new robot. 
    
2. Usability and Robotics Automation:
   Compared to setting up customized machines, robotics automation is easy to deploy. Six-axis robots are quick to set up, program, and put into production. 
    
3. Flexible Automation with 6-Axis Robots:
   Robots are well-suited for aerospace manufacturing because they offer application and work envelope flexibility.  
   
            Quick Fix: Change the tooling, change the programming, and your 6-axis robot is ready for a new application. This flexibility (switching from arc welding to material handling, to deburring, for instance) makes robotics automation very attractive to aerospace manufacturers. 
            Extra Axes: The traditional 6-axis robot can also be augmented by adding additional, external axes so it can "reach" the entire length of larger parts. 
            Limited Quantities: Aerospace part production is different than automotive part production. Not only are parts more complicated, requiring more precision and slowed manufacturing, but aerospace parts are created in smaller batches. Industrial robots are well-suited because of their versatility. 
    
4. Robotics Automation and the Aerospace Worker:
   Sometimes building an aerospace craft gets a bit cramped. Industrial robots make cramped and painstaking tasks like closing up wing spaces much more ergonomic and quick.
   
   Without the assistance of industrial robots, the aerospace worker, like the automotive worker, must endure repetitivewelding, deburring, and other tasks. Now aerospace manufacturers are avoid such repetitive movement injury and strain by letting robotics automation handle the dull work.