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Collaborative robotics for aeronautical inspections

Incorporating advanced ultrasound techniques and robotics

IK4-TEKNIKER has played a leadership role with regard to developing a collaborative solution for the inspection of aeronautical components that is based on ultrasounds and is to be presented at the upcoming Basque Industry 4.0 event to be held on November 20-21.

The need to develop aviation that is more sustainable and environmentally friendly must be closely connected to developing new composite materials and approaches for inspection work. Nowadays, stringent quality regulations in the aeronautical business require the implementation of sophisticated non-destructive inspection techniques for parts to improve production process efficiency and reduce costs.

In order to optimise these processes, IK4-TEKNIKER has played a leadership role in the European CRO-INSPECT project whose aim is to improve airplane flap inspection by incorporating collaborative robotics and advanced ultrasound techniques.

The project, that began in September 2016 and came to a close in August 2019, focused on the requirements stipulated by SAAB, a manufacturer of aeronautical components, a company that had to optimise its current component inspection processes.

The aim of the CRO-INSPECT project has consisted in developing a non-destructive inspection process for aeronautical components (flaps) by means of ultrasounds controlled by a collaborative robot installed aboard a standalone mobile platform.

The advantages of collaborative robotics

As system efficiency and resilience can be improved, coexistence and collaboration between robots and technical staff can also be achieved. This means that work can be carried out in parallel together with manual interventions assisted by the robot. The latter features force control and artificial vision to carry out the positioning process required for ultrasound sensors to be placed on the surface to be inspected.

The end result will be showcased in the exhibition zone of the upcoming Basque Industry 4.0 conference to be held on November 20-21 at the BEC (Bilbao Exhibition Centre) in Barakaldo.