Automated aerostructure assembly

Purpose – Describes the application of standard industrial robots to the assembly and riveting of aerostructure sub‐assemblies. Design/methodology/approach – Describes the design and operation of special purpose end‐effectors for assembly and solid riveting and their integration in an aerostructure sub‐assembly fabrication cell. The robots are controlled by a novel control system which allows the cell to compensate for distortion and misalignment of the components. Findings – Demonstrates that with advanced control standard industrial robots can be used to assemble aerostructure sub‐assemblies. Originality/value – Introduces techniques for compensating for the inherent distortion that occurs in airframe components during manufacture. This is an enabling technology that will significantly increase the number of possible applications for robots in the assembly of aerostructures.