Snake-arm Robot Slithers into Aircraft Assembly

Feb. 8, 2007
OC Robotics in the U.K., has built and tested a snake-arm robot capable of sealing, swaging, and inspecting the inside of hard-to-reach airplane structures.

Snake-arm robots charm their way inside airplane wings.


OC Robotics in the U.K., has built and tested a snake-arm robot capable of sealing, swaging, and inspecting the inside of hard-to-reach airplane structures. Such tasks within rib bays and other confined spaces have remained practically impossible to automate, until now. Unlike standard robots, snake-arm robots have no prominent elbows. They have a continuous curving shape like a snake, which lets them handle applications in tight, awkward spaces.

The snake-arm robot is fed through an access hole in the wing by a larger industrial robot from Kuka Robotics Corp., and follows a path into the wing box. The snake-arm has a wrist and tool interface for attaching a variety of tools designed by OC Robotics.

 

Sponsored Recommendations

Diaphragm Pump Technology Drives Industrial Washers

Jan. 23, 2025
Discover high-performance pumps and systems built to handle various gases, liquids, and chemicals with precision.

Harmonic Drive Actuators with Integrated Drive Technology

Jan. 17, 2025
Discover the future of motion control.In this video, we explore how integrated drive technology (IDT) from Harmonic Drive is revolutionizing the precision mo...

7 factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Gear Technology

Jan. 17, 2025
Choosing a drive involves several design factors that depend greatly on the task at hand. This top 7 list will guide you, whether your task requires precise and exact movements...

What are the Benefits of Actuators with Integrated Servo Drives?

Jan. 17, 2025
Actuators with Integrated Servo Drive Technology (IDT) simplify cable management, control hardware, and commissioning while achieving outstanding performance in a compact size...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!