CRX Cobot Revolutionizes Aerospace Safety Inspections

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In aerospace manufacturing, where safety and precision are paramount, even minor inefficiencies in inspection processes can have a significant impact on productivity. Traditionally, these inspections have been time-consuming and labour-intensive. However, the introduction of the CRX collaborative robot (cobot) has dramatically transformed the landscape, reducing inspection times from an exhausting 12 hours to a mere 10 minutes.

The Challenge of Manual Inspections

Aerospace safety checks require the meticulous inspection of complex parts, often involving intricate geometries and hard-to-reach areas. Historically, these tasks relied on manual methods such as optical comparators and stylus-based measurement tools. While effective to an extent, these techniques have several drawbacks:

• Time-Intensive: Inspecting multiple features on a single part could take hours or even days.
• Human Error: Measurements can vary based on the inspector’s skill or fatigue.
• Physical Constraints: Some areas are inaccessible without creating replicas or risking part damage.

These limitations highlighted the need for an automated solution capable of delivering speed, accuracy, and consistency.

CRX Cobot: Revolutionizing Inspection Processes

The FANUC CRX cobot, combined with advanced optical gaging technology like the 4D InSpec sensor, offers a cutting-edge automated inspection solution. Designed for flexibility and precision, the CRX cobot has proven to be a game-changer in aerospace safety checks.

Image Credit: Fanuc America

Key Features and Benefits

1. Drastic Time Savings:
   What previously required 12 hours of manual effort can now be completed in just 10 minutes. This reduction is especially impactful for parts with numerous measurement callouts, enabling faster throughput without compromising quality.
2. Enhanced Accuracy and Repeatability:
   The integrated 4D InSpec sensor ensures precise, non-contact measurements, even in hidden or hard-to-reach areas. By eliminating human error, the system delivers consistent results every time.
3. Flexibility in Application:
   The cobot can measure both large and small components. For larger parts, a rotary table can be added to enable easy access to multiple features. Smaller components can be mounted directly to the cobot for efficient handling.
4. Increased Efficiency:
   The system is immune to vibration, allowing it to operate seamlessly in a production environment. This ensures uninterrupted manufacturing while inspections take place.

Real-World Impact

Aerospace manufacturers utilizing the CRX cobot and 4D InSpec system have reported remarkable improvements in their operations. For instance:

• Yield Improvement: Up to 40% better yields due to reduced scrap and rework.
• Employee Productivity: Workers are freed from monotonous manual inspections to focus on more critical tasks.
• Return on Investment: The system pays for itself within approximately two months through efficiency gains and cost savings.

One notable case involved the measurement of 44 edge breaks and chamfers on a single part, a process that previously required over 44 hours of manual labor. With the CRX cobot, the task was completed in under two minutes—an astounding leap in efficiency.

A New Standard for Aerospace Safety

The CRX cobot’s ability to combine speed, accuracy, and reliability has set a new benchmark for aerospace safety inspections. In an industry where quality assurance is non-negotiable, this technology not only meets but exceeds expectations, ensuring that parts meet stringent safety standards while significantly enhancing operational efficiency.

As aerospace manufacturers face increasing demands for precision and accountability, the adoption of innovative solutions like the CRX cobot is more vital than ever. This transformative technology is paving the way for a future where inspections are faster, safer, and more reliable than ever before.

Source: https://www.fanucamerica.com/news-resources/articles/latest-innovations

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