ICAM Robotics System for Aerospace Batch Manufacturing - Task A.

Abstract

Task A of the ICAM program a 'Robotics System for Aerospace Batch Manufacturing' was an 18 month effort with major objective of early establishment of robot capability through immediate application using today's technology. Specific objectives to attain this were an assessment of robotic technology and publication of a Robotics Application Guide, the forming of a robotic work station for drilling and routing aircraft sheet metal panels on the factory floor, and the expansion of the work station into a fabrication cell for drilling and routing numerous aircraft sheet metal panels in a batch manufacturing environment. Both the work station and fabrication cell were to be demonstrated to the Air Force and Industry. The work station was demonstrated on 10 October 1979 and the fabrication cell demonstrated on 3 December 1979. This final report details the accomplishments of Task A on meeting the objectives of the program. Results of the work cell along with an outline of limitations and constraints are also included in the report. The Robotics Application Guide is being published as Volume II of this report. (Author)