Designing Intelligent Repair of Composite Structures with the Aid of a Laser Equipped Manipulator

Low velocity impacts in CFRP’s structures cause a variation of size, type and area of damages thus different types of repair methods have to take place. For an ensured and controlled repair selection, numerical models have to be developed and verified against the acquired experimental results. Also, the automation of the repair procedure can increase the repeatability and safety. University of Patras (AML Group) developed an automated repair manipulator for composite structures that reached TRL-4. This manipulator can remove material in various depths and shapes with the aid of a laser module and could behave cognitively for repair aircraft structures. The system will interact with the human users/operators through extended reality modules (augmented reality glasses, haptics interfaces) to increase human situational awareness but also to include human behavior in the design and operation phase. The MRO service providers are expected to use this technology to assist their technicians with real-time support through a virtual immersive world. This will lead to various positive implications such as increased efficiency, cost savings, reduction in human errors, and safety.