FUTURASSY

Airbus’s Puerto Real facility in Cádiz, Spain, has launched a project aimed at expanding the automation of its assembly processes using two-armed humanoid robots.

These robots will perform repetitive tasks, freeing up workers for higher value activities.

The new research and technology project, FUTURASSY, focuses on introducing a harmonised robotic system for the automation of the aeronautical assembly processes that can be put to use across all Airbus sites.

The project is led by Airbus, with support from local partners, and has two areas of research.

"The robots are designed to work in the same environment as human operators, sharing tools and production resources."

Airbus Standard Robotic Cells is the first area, which oversees the development of systems to automate the aeronautical assembly processes by generating standard solutions.

According to Airbus, such solution should prove cost-effective, as well as be flexible, multifunctional and autonomous.

The second area of research, called ‘Collaborative Robots’ project, explores the use of two-arm ‘humanoid’ robots.

The robots are designed to work in the same environment as human operators, sharing tools and production resources.

The first robotic unit acquired by the aircraft maker arrived in Puerto Real site from its manufacturer Kawada in Japan this week, and will be integrated at the A380 rudder spar assembly station, where riveting will be shared between human operators and the robot.

Image: Airbus’s new project focuses on introducing a harmonised robotic system for the automation of the aeronautical assembly processes. Photo: courtesy of Airbus SAS.

Defence Technology