Aircraft canopy scratches could soon be a thing of the past, thanks to a new canopy polishing robot on display for the first time at Asian Aerospace 2002.
The robot, developed by GINTIC, Singapore's national applied research and development institute in manufacturing technology (Hall A/221) along with the University of Singapore and Stanford University, is the first of its kind to automatically sense the geometry of a canopy without pre-programming.
Mobile
The apparatus consists of an articulated robotic arm attached to a mobile platform. The system applies compliance force to the canopy and moves freely around the object, making the polishing process more thorough with fewer scratches and little human intervention. Previous models required pre-programming of critical points by an employee before the process could begin. The canopy also had to be fixed to the spot for cleaning to be thoroughly completed.
The canopy polishing robot is quicker to use than conventional polishing methods and results in improved optical visibility for pilots. As no laborious pre-programming is needed it also takes fewer man-hours than other methods. Cost savings can also be generated as a result of there being fewer rejects due to optical distortion.
"The product is still under development at the moment but I think it is a great example of how we are able to apply automation to the aerospace industry," explains Dr Lim Ser Yong, senior research fellow, GINTIC Institute of Manufacturing Technology. "Even though it is not for sale at this stage, we are expecting a lot of interest in the product as it really is one of a kind."
The canopy polishing robot can be adapted for use on windows as well as grinding and deburring.
Source: Flight Daily News
