Composite existence in aerospace manufacturing is shifting from static component fabrication to dynamic, digitally orchestrated production ecosystems. The latest initiative under the ROBOCOMP project, led by the Basque technology centre IDEKO, leverages a new generation of flexible, sensorised and connected robotic cells to replace heavy, rigid machinery traditionally used for machining composite aerostructures. These robotic cells integrate advanced mechatronics, artificial vision and real-time process intelligence to automate critical operations such as milling, drilling and trimming of carbon-fibre parts, driving scalable production with lower energy footprints and enabling the aeronautical sector's dual mandate of cost competitiveness and net-zero emissions by 2050.
"The new solutions are designed to replace traditional systems and automate critical machining operations on carbon fibre parts, such as milling, drilling and trimming, in order to boost efficiency and reduce energy consumption," explains the centre's researcher, Asier Barrios.
Robocomp's proposal introduces the ability to work on parts placed vertically, which facilitates production scalability, allowing plants to adapt quickly to new manufacturing requirements.
Precision and Monitoring: IDEKO's scientific work has focused on increasing robot precision through improvements in mechatronics and system calibration, a critical factor in meeting the strict requirements of the aerospace sector. Through artificial vision systems and sensors, the robots are able to see and analyse the status of the manufacturing process as it takes place, allowing real-time monitoring to ensure the quality of the part.
The success of the initiative has been supported by a solid industrial consortium covering the entire value chain — alongside the leadership of DANOBAT and the scientific knowledge of IDEKO, the project has benefited from the participation of Airbus, Robotnik (a European leader in mobile robotics), and Industrial Olmar.
The technologies developed at ROBOCOMP will be transferable to other machining-intensive sectors, such as automotive, energy and capital goods. The project has been funded by the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) through the Aeronautical Technology Programme (PTA).
Source: www.ideko.es
