Robot-based system for handling of aircraft shell parts

The described system is a cost-effective approach for handling pliable aircraft shell parts. The objective is the preparation for assembly to larger sections. In contrast to a conventional gripper the developed tool is characterized by the ability to manipulate the work piece with help of active components to compensate deviations from the desired shape of the shell part. Similarly to most of the other branches in the aircraft industry more flexibility of tooling and production system is required. The approach emphasis high flexibility, fast interchangeability and high availability of components as well as easy reconfigurability. The resulting demonstrator of the developed principle provides the proof of concept and is based on a standard six axis industrial robot as well as standard components off the shelf. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V.