Robotic System for Aerospace Batch Manufacturing Task C. Definition of Robot Assembly Capability

摘要

The objective of ICAM Project 812-8 was to identify effective robotic applications in aerospace batch manufacturing, establish techniques to more fully take advantage of robotic capabilities and develop requirements for applications in a productions environment. This report addresses only the Task C assembly effort and related elements thereto performed on the applicability of robotic research efforts and development needs into a theoretical assembley station which could be expandable to an assembly cell that could be potentially operational by the mid-1980's. A number of aircraft assemblies amenable to robotization were identified along with the necessary internal and external assembly cell equipment requirements. Some robotic equipment has yet to be completely developed; e.g., vision which generates systems limitations and constraints. The robot itself is limited in that ancillary equipment is required for assembly completion; e.g., the robot must manipulate the assembly in the yoke of an external fastening device for fastener installation. These system limitations and constraints are addressed along with possible solutions. The socio-economic ramifications emanating from robotic assembly were studied with the resulting conclusion that the sociological impact could be minimized through effective implementation strategy.