News
Airbus invests in robotics technology

Feb. 20, 2014, Cadiz, Spain – The Airbus Puerto Real plant in Cádiz, Spain is leading a project to
expand the automation of its assembly processes with the use of two
armed humanoid robots to perform repetitive tasks, freeing up highly
skilled workers to work on higher value tasks.

The research and technology project called FUTURASSY
aims at introducing a harmonized robotic solution designed to automate
the aeronautical assembly processes that could be used across other
Airbus sites. The project lead by Airbus and supported by local partners
has two areas of research. 

The first area called ‘Airbus Standard Robotic
Cells’, looks into the development of solutions to automate the
aeronautical assembly processes by generating standard solutions. As
well as looking for cost effectiveness, any solution will have to be
flexible, multifunctional and autonomous.

The second area of research is called the
‘Collaborative Robots’ project, which explores the use of two-arm
“humanoid” robots, specifically designed to work in the same environment
as human operators, sharing tools and production resources.

The first robotic unit acquired by Airbus arrived in
Puerto Real from its manufacturers, Kawada in Japan this week, and will
be integrated at the A380 rudder spar assembly station, where riveting
will be shared between human assemblers and the robot.