Automated airframe drilling becomes reality

An automated drilling solution comprising a FANUC cobot (collaborative robot) is using pre-
qualified tools and process parameters to accelerate aircraft production in response to
booming order books and a record backlog within aerospace manufacturing. The ADUbot
has been developed in conjunction with two partners: aerospace automation specialist
Electroimpact; and Luebbering, a manufacturer of precision fastening and drilling solutions.
By automating the traditionally manual task of drilling thousands of holes in airframes,
ADUbot will help aircraft manufacturers to achieve high levels of rapid drilling autonomy,
releasing human operatives to perform more value-added tasks.

“The record number of orders for aircraft over the next decade means that manufacturers
and suppliers are having to streamline operations and cut cycle times, while at the same
time maintain the highest standards of quality and safety,” says Oliver Selby, head of sales
at FANUC UK.

In a bid to help aircraft manufacturers increase production rates without impacting on
quality, the FANUC/Electroimpact/Lueberring partnership identified drilling as a key
application that would benefit from automation.

“Traditionally, operators rely on a standard aerospace hand tool that uses a concentric
collet locking interface to metallic drill templates or drill jigs that are attached to the wing,”
says Robert Brownbill, senior mechanical engineer at Deeside-based Electroimpact. “These
produce tens of thousands of holes in aircraft every day, yet they are all operated by hand.”

The ADUbot sees a FANUC CRX-25iA cobot take over the manual aspects of this drilling
process. It supports quick programming for the task in hand and equally fast reprogramming
for the next job. Notably, the CRX-25iA is mobile, making it especially suitable for aircraft
assembly operations.
More information www.fanuc.eu

Immersive technology 

The next generation of engineering professionals are now training using the latest immersive technology following a £3m investment at Coventry University. The university’s College of Engineering Environment and Science has installed a Powerwall, which uses 3D immersive technology to help students better understand their mechanical designs and projects. It allows them to display and interact directly with a design on screen, zooming in to see it from all angles. This capability helps to expedite the development of prototypes and form a focal point for collaborative design sessions and discussions.

More information www.bit.ly/46PuSKw

ABB launches next-generation OmniCore control

ABB Robotics has launched OmniCore, an intelligent automation platform that is faster,
more precise and more sustainable, to empower, enhance and futureproof businesses.
The company says that its OmniCore platform, the result of more than $170m of investment
in next-generation robotics, is a step-change to a modular and futureproof control
architecture that will enable the full integration of AI, sensor, cloud and edge computing
systems in the most advanced and autonomous robotic applications.
“For our customers, automation is a strategic requirement as they seek greater flexibility,
simplicity and efficiency in response to the global megatrends of labour shortages,
uncertainty and the need to operate more sustainably,” says Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s
Robotics & Discrete Automation Business Area. “Through our development of advanced
mechatronics, AI and vision systems, our robots are more accessible, capable, flexible and
mobile than ever. But increasingly they must also work together seamlessly, with us and
each other, to take on more tasks in more places. That’s why we are launching OmniCore, a
new milestone in our 50-year history in robotics; a unique, single control architecture – one
platform, and one language that integrates our complete hardware and software range.”

OmniCore’s motion performance delivers robot path accuracy at a level of less than 0.6 mm,
with multiple robots running at high speeds of up to 1600 mm per second. Thes capabilities
open new automation opportunities in precision areas such as arc welding, mobile phone
display assembly, gluing and laser cutting. Overall, OmniCore enables robots to operate up
to 25% faster and to consume up to 20% less energy compared with the previous ABB
controller.
More information www.go.abb/robotics

RK partners with DCM

RK International Machine Tools has a new partnership with DCM Tech, a US-based grinding machine specialist. The collaboration will bring DCM Tech’s surface grinding machines to the UK and Irish markets, enhancing RK International’s capabilities and offerings. DCM Tech is known for its IG series surface grinders featuring user-friendly interface, variable speed spindle and table control, automatic down feed, automatic part detection, and closed-loop coolant filtration. “RK International’s extensive experience and commitment to customer satisfaction align perfectly with our values,” says DCM Tech’s president Jennifer Rutz.

More information www.rk-int.com

AWI leads with £10k Guide Dogs donation

A kind-hearted Black Country manufacturer is helping visually impaired people with its biggest charity donation yet. Alloy Wire International (AWI), which supplies a range of 60 exotic alloys to over 6000 industrial customers globally, has given £10,000 to leading charity Guide Dogs. Part of its ‘Wired for Good’ campaign, the value of the gift has seen the company name its own guide dog puppy ‘Allie’, who is currently going through training prior to placement. She will be one of 200 current working guide dog partnerships across the Black Country, Shropshire and Staffordshire.

More information www.alloywire.com