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ROCKETIN – (RObotic braCKET INstallation)

Sponsor:
STELIA Aerospace
Industry Mentor:
Emeric Noirot-Nérin
Faculty Adviser:
Dr. Santosh Devasia
Team:
  • Chayanat (Luke) Wanitthananon
  • Drew Byungkyu Kang
  • Daniel Varnum-Lowry
  • Taehan Kook
STELIA team, links to a larger image
The STELIA team
The STELIA team. From left to right: Drew Kang, Eulong (Luke) Wanitthananon, Daniel Varnum-Lowry, Taehan Kook, and Dr. Santosh Devasia
icon of workers installing brackets linking to larger image
workers installing brackets
The current solution for bracket installation method – mostly manual w/ some robotic assistance through laser sensor. Our goal is to fully automate this procedure!
icon of fuslage rendering linking to larger image
fuslage rendering
Brackets will be installed on Stelia aircraft fuselages. A very tight tolerance to respect and hard to access location would require creative approach to Human Robot interaction!
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simulation render
Our plan is to develop a simulation that will serve as a framework for the robotic solution for bracket installing assembly robot!
icon of assemply line with KUKA robots linking to larger image
assemply line with KUKA robots
To determine the basic requirements and expectation of our solution, we will explore several of KUKA’s assembly robot models. These robots will also help us better understand the manufacturing process in today’s industry.
Icon of rail system robot linking to larger image
rail system robot
For the mobility of the assembly robots, there are two possible apparatus that we can use: the drive platform, or the rail system. We will explore both of these methods to determine which one suits our needs most.
icon of drive platform robot linking to larger image
drive platform robot
For the mobility of the assembly robots, there are two possible apparatus that we can use: the drive platform, or the rail system. We will explore both of these methods to determine which one suits our needs most.
icon of vrep simulator screenshot linking to larger image
vrep simulator screenshot
Another useful robot simulator will be explored (V-REP), to demonstrate the possible solution for our bracket installing procedures.

The purpose of this project is to investigate and improve STELIA Aerospace’s current bracket installation apparatus and procedure. Brackets are non-supporting parts on aircraft used for guiding other non-structural components such as electronic wires through the fuselage. The current method employed by STELIA is mostly manual, and it involves using a removable bracket positioning tools, assisted by laser sensors to achieve the required tolerance. The company would now want to automate this procedure, using robotic solution to improve the installation time, accuracy, and reduce the cost of the operation.

Emeric Noirot-Nérin
Industry Mentor:
Emeric Noirot-Nérin

Emeric Noirot-Nérin is an engineer with 3 years of experience committed to innovation projects in maturing technologies for Aerospace Industry. His professional experience lies in non destructive composite testing, engineering methods & tools development for structure optimization, manufacturing capabilities optimization . He is currently in charge of North American Research & Technology at STELIA Aerospace.

STELIA Aerospace

STELIA Aerospace is an aerostructure design and manufacturing company, that also designs pilot seats and premium class passenger seats for aircrafts and airlines. The company was merged from two Airbus Group business units (Aerolia and Sogerma), on January 1st, 2015.