“The robots are coming,” is a common saying these days in industry as more and more automated robotic systems are making their way onto the factory floor. Aircraft manufacturing automation lagged the automobile industry for many years because aircraft production volumes are significantly lower. However, robotics are used today across both the commercial and military segments of the aerospace industry for their technology, reliability and affordability.
At the Lockheed Martin facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, and Marietta, Georgia, robots are ensconced on the factory floor to produce the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. In addition, robotic systems are being installed for new programs at the Skunk Works® in Palmdale, California, as well as integrated into long-established production lines like C-130J Super Hercules in Marietta.
The extensive implementation of robotics and automation on F-35 and future programs is enabled by the Digital Thread (DT). DT is the creation, use and consumption of 3D engineering models and data by downstream functions like manufacturing, supply chain and sustainment. The Digital Thread provides direct access to engineering data by partners and suppliers, greatly reduces the number of changes and supports automation. Mechanics and maintainers use the 3D data for graphics in work instructions and tech orders, optical projection of data onto the aircraft surface and augmented reality training and collaboration. Plus, DT allows direct comparisons of as-designed to as-built configurations using non-contact metrology technologies like structured light and laser scanning.
