Robot Capability Test and Development of Industrial Robot Positioning System for the Aerospace Industry

The paper details two phases of work completed by Airbus UK to create a standard deployment platform for robotic processes.

The initial part of the paper focuses on an aerospace capability study developed to benchmark a number of robot models. The tests define absolute accuracies within full and restricted work envelopes, static and dynamic flexure, and temperature effects on the robot manipulator.

The second part of the paper describes the development of an adaptive control process to accurately position singular or co-operating robots within a large working envelope. The solution is not dependent on complex software algorithms within the robot controller or restrictive laser metrology interfaces. The paper illustrates how a number of standard industrial products can be ‘fused together’ to provide a robust industrial solution.