Production-related testing and optimisation environment for hardware and software in aircraft production of today and tomorrow

In response to the predicted growth trends in the aerospace industry, a gradual implementation of future industrial production systems with a strong focus on robotics and automation is inevitable. These technologies enhance production performance by automating repetitive tasks, allowing workers to concentrate on more complex activities. This paper introduces a new automation concept and validation system for aircraft structural assembly, set up at the Center for Applied Aviation Research in Hamburg. This system enables the validation of the research topics in the dtec.bw-funded project iMOD and includes recent key innovations developed by Airbus like the Multi-Function End Effector, which can perform multiple processes.