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Snake-Arm Robots: A New Approach to Aircraft Assembly
Technical Paper
2007-01-3870
ISSN: 0148-7191, e-ISSN: 2688-3627
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English
Abstract
This paper describes work being conducted by OC Robotics and Airbus to develop snake-arm robots to conduct assembly tasks within wing boxes - an area currently inaccessible for automation.
The composite, single skin construction of aircraft structures presents new assembly challenges. Currently during box close-out it is necessary for aircraft fitters to climb into the wing box through small access panels and use manual or power tools to perform a variety of tasks. In future wing designs it may be that certain parts of the wing do not provide adequate access for manual assembly methods. It is also known that these manual interventions introduce health and safety concerns with their associated costs.
Snake-arm robots provide a means to replace manual procedures by delivering the required tools to all areas of the wing box.
Such a development has broader implications for aircraft design and assembly. There is potential for considerable cost savings for the aerospace industry through reduced weight, improved aerodynamics, standardisation of assembly processes, increased rate and reduced health and safety costs.
This paper presents early results of the demonstration snake-arm robot and outlines expectations for future development. It also identifies critical design parameters for the snake-arm and considers the tools and processes delivered by the snake-arm.
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Authors
- Rob Buckingham - OC Robotics
- Vilas Chitrakaran - OC Robotics
- Rosalind Conkie - OC Robotics
- Geoff Ferguson - OC Robotics
- Andrew Graham - OC Robotics
- Alex Lazell - OC Robotics
- Mariusz Lichon - OC Robotics
- Nick Parry - OC Robotics
- Fred Pollard - OC Robotics
- Amir Kayani - Airbus UK
- Mike Redman - Airbus UK
- Mark Summers - Airbus UK
- Brett Green - KUKA
Topic
Citation
Buckingham, R., Chitrakaran, V., Conkie, R., Ferguson, G. et al., "Snake-Arm Robots: A New Approach to Aircraft Assembly," SAE Technical Paper 2007-01-3870, 2007, https://doi.org/10.4271/2007-01-3870.Also In
References
- Robot capability test and development of industrial robot positioning system for the aerospace industry” Summers M. 2005 Transactions Journal of Aerospace 1108
- “Snake-arm robots - a new tool for the aerospace industry” Buckingham R. Graham A. Aerofast 2003, Palais des Congrès Montreal, Quebec, Canada September 2003