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Surgical robotics can be divided into two groups: specialized and versatile systems. Versatile systems can be used in different surgical applications, control architectures and operating room set‐ups, but often still based on the adaptation of industrial robots. Space consumption, safety and adequacy of industrial robots in the unstructured and crowded environment of an operating room and in close human robot interaction are at least questionable. The purpose of this paper is to describe the DLR MIRO, a new versatile lightweight robot for surgical applications.

The design approach of the DLR MIRO robot focuses on compact, slim and lightweight design to assist the surgeon directly at the operating table without interference. Significantly reduced accelerated masses (total weight 10 kg) enhance the safety of the system during close interaction with patient and user. Additionally, MIRO integrates torque‐sensing capabilities to enable close interaction with human beings in unstructured environments.

A payload of 30 N, optimized kinematics and workspace for surgery enable a broad range of possible applications. Offering position, torque and impedance control on Cartesian and joint level, the robot can be integrated easily into telepresence (e.g. endoscopic surgery), autonomous or soft robotics applications, with one or multiple arms.

This paper considers lightweight and compact design as important design issues in robotic assistance systems for surgery.

The purpose of this paper is to establish a model‐based framework allowing the simulation, analysis and optimization of friction stir welding (FSW) processes of metallic structures using industrial robots, with a particular emphasis on the assembly of aircraft components made of aerospace aluminum alloys.

After a first part of the work dedicated to the kinetostatic and dynamical identification of the robotic mechanical system, a complete analytical model of the robotized process is developed, incorporating a dynamic model of the industrial robot, a multi‐axes macroscopic visco‐elastic model of the FSW process and a force/position control unit of the system. These different modules are subsequently implemented in a high‐fidelity multi‐rate dynamical simulation.

The developed simulation infrastructure allowed the research team to analyze and understand the dynamic interaction between the industrial robot, the control architecture and the manufacturing process involving heavy load cases in different process configurations. Several critical process‐induced perturbations such as tool oscillations and lateral/rotational deviations are observed, analyzed, and quantified during the simulated operations.

The presented simulation platform will constitute one of the key technology enablers in the major research initiative carried out by NRC Aerospace in their endeavor to develop a robust robotic FSW platform, allowing both the development of optimal workcell layouts/process parameters and the validation of advanced real‐time control laws for robust handling of critical process‐induced perturbations. These deliverables will be incorporated in the resulting robotic FSW technology packaged for deployment in production environments.

The paper establishes the first model‐based framework allowing the high‐fidelity simulation, analysis and optimization of FSW processes using serial industrial robots.

This paper aims to provide details of the growing uses of robots by the aerospace industry.

Following an introduction, this paper discusses and highlights the benefits of the following robotic applications and technologies: drilling and riveting; painting and stripping; composite structure manufacture; three-dimensional printing; and in-service engine inspection. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn.

Robots are increasingly being used by the aerospace sector in a diversity of applications. They confer a number of significant benefits including reduced costs, manpower and timescales, improved quality and novel manufacturing capabilities. The market is forecast for rapid growth as new applications emerge.

This paper illustrates the growing importance of robots in the aerospace sector.

To review presentations on assembly and joining given at a seminar, “The changing face of robotics: inside and outside the factory”, organised by the UK Institution of Electrical Engineers.

Details are given of three presentations. The first is by Dr Phil Webb of the University of Nottingham, who described a project to develop a flexible robotic cell capable of riveting and assembling aero‐structure components, in which a new method of “simulation‐based control” evolved. In the second, Pearl Agjakwa of Nottingham University and Craig Johnson of Rolls Royce talked about shape metal deposition, a process by which layers of weld are deposited by robot to form complex aerospace components with minimal tooling and short lead times. The final presentation was by Dr Wolfgang Kölbl of Meta Vision Systems on laser vision robot guidance. Applications in automotive and a new cross vision sensor were described, the latter being applicable to hole location such as for drilling and riveting.

Robotics inside the factory is extending into new areas of assembly and fastening and is now finding applications in the aerospace industry and not just in automotive.

Provides a review of some new assembly‐related process developments in robotics.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the measurement‐assisted assembly of aero‐engine fabricated components and evaluate its capability.

The system described in this paper uses in‐process measurement sensors to determine the component's exact location prior to the assembly operation. The core of the system is a set of algorithms capable of best fitting measurement data to find optimal assembly of components.

The paper demonstrates that with a combination of non‐contact metrology systems and mathematical processing, standard industrial robot can be used to assemble fabricated components. Scanning parts after it has been picked up was very effective as it compensates for possible components deformation during previous manufacturing processes and robot handling errors.

The paper introduces techniques for compensating the deformation that occurs in aero‐engine fabricated components and potential component handling errors. The developed system reduces the reliance on part holding fixtures and instead uses a laser‐guided robot. This ensures that the system is highly flexible and re‐configurable.

Kuka Robotics – Automation celebrated 30 years of operation in the UK and a new name by holding an Open Week at its UK headquarters in Halesowen, at which a diverse range of products and application solutions were exhibited. On show was the RoboCoaster, the “world's first passenger carrying robot” aimed at theme parks and fair grounds, a quartet of co‐operating robots, the rapid manufacturing process of surface metal deposition and a robot polishing cell for aerospace cover plates. Two new products from Germany primarily for automotive applications were RoboJig, a flexible robot tooling system for low volume and niche market vehicle components and SmartGrip, a modular “repairable” gripper system for large components such as body sides and underbodies.

This paper aims to describe the development and testing of a system for the automated assembly of aircraft fuselage panels.

The system described in this paper uses a low‐cost industrial robot and laser stripe sensor to assemble stringers on to a fuselage panel prior to riveting. The method uses a combination of measurement and best fit placement algorithms to optimally locate parts relative to existing features.

The paper demonstrates that with a combination of metrology and mathematical processing standard industrial robots can be used to assemble aero‐structure subassemblies. The paper also demonstrates that the system can work within the tolerances required within the aerospace industry.

The paper introduces techniques for compensating for the inherent distortion that occurs in airframe components during manufacture. This is an enabling technology that will significantly increase the number of possible applications for industrial robots in the assembly of aero‐structures.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the integration of a gesture control system for industrial collaborative robot. Human and robot collaborative systems can be a viable manufacturing solution, but efficient control and communication are required for operations to be carried out effectively and safely.

The integrated system consists of facial recognition, static pose recognition and dynamic hand motion tracking. Each sub-system has been tested in isolation before integration and demonstration of a sample task.

It is demonstrated that the combination of multiple gesture control methods can increase its potential applications for industrial robots.

The novelty of the system is the combination of a dual gesture controls method which allows operators to command an industrial robot by posing hand gestures as well as control the robot motion by moving one of their hands in front of the sensor. A facial verification system is integrated to improve the robustness, reliability and security of the control system which also allows assignment of permission levels to different users.

Robots have undoubtedly proved their worth in the automotive industry. Even the man in the street remembers the spectacular Fiat TV advertisement with robots welding and transporting car bodies. Perhaps less spectacularly, but equally important, robots have been making steady inroads into other industries, including the aerospace industry.