| | DECEMBER 20198CIOReview"The robots are coming," is a common saying these days in industry as more and more automated robotic systems are making their way onto the factory floor. Aircraft manufacturing automation lagged the automobile industry for many years because aircraft production volumes are significantly lower. However, robotics are used today across both the commercial and military segments of the aerospace industry for their technology, reliability and affordability. At the Lockheed Martin facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, and Marietta, Georgia, robots are ensconced on the factory floor to produce the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. In addition, robotic systems are being installed for new programs at the Skunk Works® in Palmdale, California, as well as integrated into long-established production lines like C-130J Super Hercules in Marietta. The extensive implementation of robotics and automation on F-35 and future programs is enabled by the Digital Thread (DT). DT is the creation, use and consumption of 3D engineering models and data by downstream functions like manufacturing, supply chain and sustainment. The Digital Thread provides direct access to engineering data by partners By Don Kinard, Senior Technical Fellow, F-35 Production, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics CoAEROSPACE AUTOMATION - THE ROBOTS ARE COMING!The future of robotics and automation in the aerospace industry is bright. However, there are no plans for fully automated, light-out manufacturingIN MY OPINION
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