KUKA Systems Aerospace has opened a new R&D and production plant in Le Haillan, France, for advanced automation solutions for aircraft industry.
The project is part of the company’s plan to meet the increasing demand for robotic processes used in aircraft assembly.
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The facility features 1,445m² production space and 1,123m² for engineering and other departments. It will produce multi-function end effectors, which the company already manufactures at its global headquarters for aerospace in the US.
End effectors are installed on a robot arm, which is designed to carry out production or logistical tasks, including drilling, riveting, fastening, lifting, positioning or applying a coating, adhesive or sealant.
The multi-function end effectors are said to allow the robot to switch between the tools as per the requirement without manual intervention or taking the robotic cell offline, the company said.
KUKA Systems Aerospace group vice president Robert Reno said: "This dual manufacturing capability creates synergy in the manufacture and support of this key technology for our customers worldwide."
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By GlobalDataWith the robotic and other automated processes, aircraft manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers will be able to build more units with precision and repeatability, as well as assign jobs such as riveting elsewhere in the assembly process.
KUKA Systems Aerospace – Le Haillan managing director Philippe Prat said: "This exceptionally well-equipped building enlarges our footprint so we can continue expanding our business.
"It makes a strong statement to current and prospective KUKA customers, the giants of aerospace worldwide and their Tier 1 suppliers, about our capability to support our KUKA-branded products and automate more assembly processes."
