Journal of Applied Mechanical Engineering

Implementation of a human-machine-interaction control system in a human-robot-collaborative riveting process in aircraft assembly

Joint Event on 2^nd International Conference on Advanced Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence & 3^rd International Conference on Design & Production Engineering

December 03-04, 2018 | Valencia, Spain

Tobias Masiak, Rainer Muller and Matthias Vette-Steinkamp

Zentrum fur Mechatronik und Automatisierungstechnik gemeinnutzige, Germany

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Appl Mech Eng

Abstract:

Assembly processes in aircraft production are difficult to automate due to technical risks. Examples of such technical challenges are small batch sizes, large product dimensions and limited work space. Full automation of complex processes is expensive as it requires much effort with respect to service and maintenance. A semi-automated process, utilizing humanrobot- collaboration, is the most effective approach for optimizing aircraft production in relation to aircraft section assembly. In the assembly process of the aft section of aircrafts, the pressure bulk head is assembled with the section barrel using hundreds of rivets. This assembly process is a non-ergonomic and demanding task in which two people are working together collaboratively. Working conditions can be improved through collaboration between the operator and the robot system. The approach is based on the process requirements as well as dynamic and skill based task sharing between the operator and the robot. This is demonstrated by positioning a robot within section 19. The robot's task is to position the anvil tool, while the operator performs the more complex task of inserting the rivet and operating the riveting tool. An intuitive operating is implemented to increase operator acceptance and to enable interaction with production equipment. Within the framework of natural and intuitive human machine interaction, smart devices are integrated to control process specific production equipment. Graphical user interfaces in smart phones or smart watches and the integration of mixed reality technology offers new possibilities for visualization and assistance. The developed systems allow intuitive configuration and operation of the station using an open control concept and dynamic task sharing. The operator is therefore supported with a collaborative robot in combination with additional assistance systems in order to improve production quality and ergonomics during the riveting process. The results are part of the EUâ????s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme in the four by three projects at ZeMA.

Recent Publications

1. Rainer M??¼ller, Matthias Vette, Aaron Geenen and Tobias Masiak (2017) Improving working conditions in aircraft productions using human-robot-collaboration in a collaborative riveting process. Aero Tech Congress & Exhibition DOI: 10.4271/2017-01-2096.

2. Rainer M??¼ller, Matthias Vette, Steinkamp, Aaron Geenen, Tobias Masiak and Ali Kanso (2017) Methodology for design of mechatronic robotic manipulators based on suitability for modern application scenarios. International Federation of Automatic Control - PapersOnLine 50(1):12727-12733.

Biography :

Tobias Masiak is a Research Assistant at ZeMA in human robot collaboration in the areas of aircraft production, process development as well as human machine interaction in the frame of automation and handling devices. Moreover, he is a Managing Director of a marketing agency and runs a startup as well.

E-mail: t.masiak@zema.de