This robotics project was selected from the ARM Institute’s 24-01 Technology Project Call, which centered on the following special topic areas: Multi-Modal Inputs for AI Robotics in Manufacturing, Rapid Re-Tasking and Robot Agility, Multi-Robot, Multi-Human Collaboration, and Virtual Commissioning of Advanced Robotic Systems.
Principal investigator:
RTX Technology Research Center
Project Team:
Carnegie Mellon University, Wason Technology LLC, Collins Aerospace
Description:
Lightweight carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites (TPCs) are recognized as a key material capable of meeting the future aerospace market high-rate demands while also providing sustainability benefits. One challenging, but key enabler of high-rate thermoplastic composites manufacturing is welding. In a prior ARM Institute funded project called Rapid Welding of Thermoplastic Composite Structures, robotic continuous ultrasonic welding was shown to increase the speed of induction. This Rapid TPC Welding project builds on the outputs from the prior thermoplastic composite welding project in order to scale it to production use. The project is led by RTX Technology Research Center with team members Carnegie Mellon University, Wason Technology LLC, and Collins Aerospace.