This paper describes work being conducted by OC Robotics and Airbus to develop snake-arm robot technology suitable for conducting automated inspection and assembly tasks within wing boxes.The composite, single skin construction of aircraft structures presents new challenges for robotic assembly. During box close-out it is necessary for aircraft fitters to climb into the wing box through a small access panel and use manual or power tools to perform a variety of tasks. These manual interventions give rise to a number of health and safety concerns. Snake-arm robots provide a means to replace manual procedures by delivering the required tools to all areas of the wing box. The advantages of automating in-wing processes will be discussed. This paper presents early stage results of the demonstration snake-arm robot and outlines expectations for future development.


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    Title :

    Snake-Arm Robots: A New Approach to Aircraft Assembly


    Additional title:

    Sae Technical Papers


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Aerospace Manufacturing and Automated Fastening Conference and Exhibition ; 2006



    Publication date :

    2006-09-12




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




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