Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

With the demand for higher productivity, more flexibility and lower cost in aircraft assembly, articulated armrobots are playing a more important role with automating installation and manufacturing processes. Withadvanced vision systems and force feedback, automatic positioning and installing system robots have shownthe possibility to work alongside humans to replace the traditional manual operations in aircraft industry.Robotic precise lifting, holding and installation technology has therefore been under active consideration by theleading aircraft manufacturer like Bombardier. The current manual process to install the wing slats requiresthree operators to manually lift the part up to the aircraft and hold the component in position for installation.This manual process causes long-term strain injuries and poses a health and safety risk to workers in the area.The objective of this research project is to develop a conceptual design of an Aircraft Component PositioningSystem to assist production personnel in the installation process. This would require only one operator, assistedby the machine and reduce the cycle time as well. The proposal is for Centennial College's researchers andstudents to develop the robotic lifting and positioning systems concept within six months.