Keywords
Citation
(2001), "Simulation software proves value of robotics and production simulation in giant Airbus development", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773fab.007
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
Simulation software proves value of robotics and production simulation in giant Airbus development
Simulation software proves value of robotics and production simulation in giant Airbus development
Keywords: Tecnomatix, Software
Simulation software from Tecnomatix Technologies has been used extensively in the recently completed second phase of Airbus UK's automated wing box assembly (AWBA II) project. Funded by the DTI, the two-year research project is said to have demonstrated the benefits of using computer simulation for the production of large, precision-built structures.
The AWBA programme was launched to identify and acquire specific elements of technology for the automated assembly of large wings. AWBA II integrates, for the first time, handling, positioning, measuring, robotic drilling, wing skin panel wrapping and fastening technologies in a single 8.5m high demonstrator.
During the project, software from Tecnomatix' eMPower range was used by RTS Advanced Robotics and BAE Systems Advanced Technology Centre – Sowerby, for robotic simulation. The aim was to study various robot options, and provide off-line programming. In addition, Tecnomatix software was used at various stages for systems integration and the 3D cell simulation modelling by Airbus UK and its partners.
As a research tool, the simulation provided the means to look at design alternatives to see how components interact, and to validate ideas quickly before committing to the cost of manufacturing hardware.
In commenting on specific achievements, Tecnomatix' sales manager, Stephen Giles, says: "The AWBA II project has demonstrated a practical means of using simulation technology to carry the research findings forward from concept into reality. In order to highlight the full potential of the proposed techniques, Tecnomatix took on responsibility for producing a consolidated demonstrator cell simulation using final data models from each of the project partners. Tecnomatix also completed a full-scale production mock-up showing the application of the AWBA II demonstrator principles to the automated assembly of a complete wing box".
The use of the simulation as a virtual test bench would be relevant to any manufacturing programme involving the construction of large-scale precision structures. A notable example highlighted by the AWBA II project was the use of simulation to investigate and define a measurement strategy based on lasers and line-of-sight targets positioned within the tooling framework. BAE Systems Advanced Technology Centre – Sowerby created a link between the measurement system and the simulation test bed, simply by writing an application module which was compatible with the Tecnomatix eMPower simulation software.
Stephen Giles continues, "As well as supporting the project, this underlined the crucial role of Tecnomatix' eMPower simulation model in providing the only means for linking research activity with the eventual possibility of applying the ideas to an actual production environment".
Further details are available from Tenomatix Technologies Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 121 323 1309; E-mail: kate@tecnomatix.com; Web site:www.tecnomatix.com