FLEXIBLE & LIGHTWEIGHT ROBOTIC DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM FOR CONFINED SPACES

A major challenge for aerostructure manufacturers is access and assembly operations within confined spaces. Traditionally this process is done manually due to inadequate automated systems that are bulky, cumbersome and must be proximate to their control hardware. Snake-arm robots can be disadvantaged by low stiffness and inaccuracy because they are cable-driven.

Bravura is a new type of robotic arm that solves this problem. It is a modular, scalable multi-axis, lightweight, articulated positioner that can bend and twist through openings, delivering a process head into restricted areas with high accuracy. Suitable tools for this highly flexible robotic arm include inspection devices, fastening systems, grippers, sealant dispensers and other end effectors. It has a 1100mm reach with a sizeable 5kg payload and extends the possibilities for end of arm tooling by adding six degrees of freedom.

Bravura can be installed on the end of another robot, cartesian axes, an AGV or a combination of all. It uses custom configured frameless servo motors, paired with high ratio harmonic gearboxes, resulting in high power density drive units. The low weight is due to its aluminium construction whilst continuous axis rotation means that it will never hit an axis limit when manoeuvring. Custom path planning tools simplify insertion, removal, and recovery and its powerful kinematic coupling functionality allows real time synchronous motion planning with a host robot.

Automating operations in confined spaces, such as a wing box, will allow for faster, safer, more repeatable production of aerostructures. Additionally, removing the constraints imposed by the need for manual access will allow for more innovative wing design going forward.