Faster and on request – Airbus wants robots to build aircraft
Final assembly of an Airbus at the Hamburg plant in Finkenwerder
Source: picture alliance / Christian Charisins / dpa
Aircraft will continue to be needed in the future, and more than ever, Airbus is convinced. Research into the automation of production is now being carried out together with the Bundeswehr. For this purpose, the Bundeswehr University wants to virtually replicate the Airbus production in Hamburg.
Dhe aviation industry has been discussing for some time when and how it can make flying more environmentally friendly. But for aircraft manufacturers at least, the question of how they can plan and build more and cheaper aircraft is almost even more important.
The Bundeswehr’s technology research is now also addressing this question. According to WELT AM SONNTAG research, she has just signed a multi-million dollar contract with the Airbus Germany production company in Hamburg. The goal is automation and digitization in aircraft construction, also with the help of robots.
“Make transport more flexible”
Airbus collects 6.7 million euros and supplies data from aircraft production in Hamburg to the Helmut Schmidt University of the German Armed Forces for their research. The aim of the project: “In the operational environment, modular robots should support employees in aircraft construction (workers) ad hoc and intelligent transport systems make the transport of large components more flexible.”
It is about building aircraft in the future in a more automated, cost-effective and even more individual way. The project will initially run until autumn 2024. The Bundeswehr University wants to use its studies to help improve the work environment for employees using autonomous robots. For this purpose, the Bundeswehr University wants to virtually replicate the Airbus production in Hamburg.
Airbus boss Guillaume Faury has already stated several times how important the topics of digitization and automation are for the future of the industry. About the race with long-term rival Boeing, he said two years ago: “I think we will know who will be the first when the next generation of aircraft comes onto the market.”
At Airbus, the revolution in aircraft construction operates under the acronym DDMS (Digital Design, Manufacturing & Services). It is far more than a change from largely one-off to series production.
Up to 75 aircraft per month
Airbus has prepared its suppliers for the fact that, after the corona-related production dip, new records are to be set in the future, with 70 or even 75 models from the A320 family – per month in the medium term. A major upheaval is expected for new models that may be powered by hydrogen. There is also the question of where the new models will be built.
So far, the Airbus production landscape has been scattered across Europe. Cargo planes transport individual components from country to country. Because the development of a new model is always also industrial policy, it is about locations and jobs. This is one of the reasons why the deal with Bundeswehr University Research is interesting.
The Bundeswehr University in Hamburg is embedded in the Bundeswehr Center for Digitization and Technology Research, which also includes the Bundeswehr University in Munich. The project homepage suggests that the research should not only focus on software or autonomous work robots. Literally it says: “The adaptability should make it possible to manufacture individualized aircraft in efficient series production and thus secure Germany as an aircraft manufacturing location.”
The project manager and professor at the University of the Federal Armed Forces, Alexander Fay, holds back on details. One goal is “the better use of expensive resources”, he announced on request. One also strives for the possibility of producing “individualized aircraft”.
Tailor-made jets would be possible
Fay thinks it is possible that the models “have airline-specific interior fittings”. In fact, it would be a competitive advantage for Airbus if tailor-made aircraft for each airline were possible.
The research project is aimed at the future, but Airbus is currently faced with the task of slowly ramping up production, which was recently drastically reduced. On July 29, the group presented its half-year figures, the day before competitor Boeing. Despite everything, Airbus has delivered significantly more aircraft than Boeing this year.
From the US company there have been reports of quality problems, most recently with the 787 Dreamliner. The Boeing 737Max still has no flight clearance in China after two crashes and the subsequent revision of the flight software. Airbus scores points in the market with its A320 family. For aircraft with a central aisle, Airbus now has a 65 percent market share in the order book, the industry service Leeham News recently reported.
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