aerospace automation

Boeing Finds Debris in Fuel Tanks of Undelivered 737 MAXs

February 20, 2020

RENTON, WA — Boeing discovered debris that mechanics left inside the wing fuel tanks of several undelivered 737 MAXs during the aircraft assembly process and has ordered inspections of all the undelivered MAXs, about 400 of which are stored at various locations

BAE to Use Cobots to Assemble Fighter Jets

August 10, 2018

BAE Systems is in the process of building an aerospace "factory of the future" at its plant here that assembles the Typhoon fighter jet.

At Boeing’s 777X Wing Factory, Robots Get Big Jobs

December 12, 2016

EVERETT, WA—Boeing’s 777X Composite Wing Center here marks a significant step toward a future in which much of an aircraft assembly plant’s work is done by automated machines and robots.

Boeing Adds Automation to 737 Assembly Line

June 22, 2016

RENTON, WA—Boeing has added a new robotic system to its 737 factory here to automate the process of drilling holes and installing bolts in wing spars.

Airbus Ramps Up Automation

Austin Weber

April 28, 2016

Airbus is investing in automation to tackle huge backlogs for its commercial jetliners. Bernard Duprieu, head of manufacturing technologies research at the Airbus Centre of Competence, Industrial Strategy and System, tells ASSEMBLY about the company’s FuturAssy automation strategy.

Aerospace Automation Supplier Opens in Mobile

February 10, 2016

MOBILE, AL—Broetje Automation, a supplier of automated machinery for aircraft assembly, has opened a facility here to support Airbus’ new assembly plant.

Boeing Patents Automated Assembly Process

January 14, 2016

SEATTLE—Boeing has been granted a patent for a fully automated assembly system for making airplane fuselages. The system consists of six assembly cells, a feeder line, and a robot holding area.

Northrop Grumman Adopts Optical Projection System

September 18, 2015

PALMDALE, CA—Assemblers at Northrop Grumman Corp.’s plant here recently started to use an optical projection system to build the center fuselage of the F-35 Lighting II fighter jet. The facility was the recipient of ASSEMBLY’s 2013 Assembly Plant of the Year award.

Ascent Aerospace to Build Assembly Line for Airbus Cargo Jet

July 10, 2015

SANTA ANA, CA—Ascent Aerospace has been awarded a contract to design and build the final assembly station for the Airbus Beluga XL jet. The Beluga is an A330 modified to transport large aerostructure components from Airbus supplier facilities.