Supporting the Integration of Cyber-Physical Systems into Aerospace Assembly, Integration, and Testing

The Industry 4.0 paradigm is profoundly transforming aerospace assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) processes by fostering the integration of advanced digital technologies. This paper first introduces a novel framework that incorporates a domain-specific language (DSL) for structuring and standardizing assembly instructions, enabling automation, real-time adaptability, and reduced human error. This is complemented by advanced capabilities such as object recognition, tracking, and real-time sensor integration for contextual awareness and dynamic guidance. We then demonstrate the integration of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) and extended reality (XR) into aerospace AIT workflows, providing immersive, real-time support for operators. The framework is validated through the assembly of a CubeSat, in which 40 aerospace experts were divided into control and XR-assisted groups. Comparative evaluation demonstrated improvements in terms of efficiency, assembly accuracy, and overall usability. The XR-assisted group completed tasks more rapidly and with fewer errors, particularly in complex operations. Participants also reported higher satisfaction, perceiving the system as more intuitive and engaging than traditional methods. These results confirm the potential of XR- and DSL-driven CPS frameworks to enhance both operational performance and user experience in aerospace AIT.