KUKA Aerospace, LISI AEROSPACE Develop Single-Robot, Automated System for One-Sided Aircraft Assembly

KUKA Aerospace and LISI AEROSPACE have joined forces to develop a new fully automated system for one-sided assembly of aircraft structures, whether made of metal or composites. The centerpieces of this automated technology are a single KUKA six-axis robot co-engineered with a newly developed LISI AEROSPACE structural blind fastener. This highly advanced system, can perform all assembly functions from hole drilling to assembly control, including installation and removal of LISI AEROSPACE temporary fasteners and the installation of LISI AEROSPACE blind fasteners.

“By combining our strengths, KUKA in aerospace automation and robotics and LISI AEROSPACE in aerospace components, the two companies are able to offer shortened installation times with fasteners specifically optimized for this system,” says Robert Reno, Group Vice-President, KUKA Aerospace. One sided, automated assembly technology is something the aerospace industry has wanted for more than a decade, but until this breakthrough, the right technologies in terms of structural blind fastener and automation integration were unavailable. “With this new LISI AEROSPACE and KUKA integrated assembly system, this step change is now possible, opening wide perspectives for our customers to reduce assembly time and cost,” says Jean-Louis Colders, CEO of LISI AEROSPACE.