The world of aerospace is multifaceted and entails complex manufacturing processes. The commitment of robotics engineers to quality is such that even the slightest inconsistency during manufacturing and assembly can ground the entire fleet, causing massive delays. This is where robotics comes in! Robotics plays a crucial role in the aerospace industry by ensuring precision, safety, and efficiency of various tasks. From welding and sealing to inspection and search & rescue, the integration of robotics in the aerospace industry helps facilitate several functions, reducing human errors and increasing production efficiency in the process. They can complete specialized tasks, working even in hazardous environments, all while adhering to stringent international standards of quality and precision.
According to a report by Extrapolate, the global aerospace robotics market size is projected to reach USD 7.87 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 14.23% between 2023 and 2030.
In this blog, let us have a look at the various types of aerospace robots and their top 10 use cases.
What are the Different Types of Aerospace Robots?
In the growing aerospace industry, different types of specialized robots are often leveraged by manufacturers to achieve several repetitive day-to-day tasks. Some of the most common types of robots include:
- Industrial Robots can deliver repeatability, flexibility, and accuracy without compromising on performance. COMAU’s S-Family of small industrial robots is one such example of industrial robots.
- Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (AAVs) or drones are unmanned robots that are used for surveillance, search & rescue, and mapping tasks.
- Inspection Robots are used to identify defects in aerospace vehicles, which helps in keeping them operational for long.
- Painting Robots are used for applying paint or other types of coating onto a variety of products offering, evenness and consistency.
- Material Handling Robots are used for various tasks such as packaging, transporting, palletizing, dispensing, and machine tending.
What are the Top 10 Aerospace Robotics Use Cases?
Many major players are using aerospace robotics capabilities for several applications. The top 10 applications within the aerospace industry that are making extensive use of this technology are:
1. Aerospace Inspection and Maintenance
The aerospace industry is a tightly regulated one. Each component —be it aircraft or other equipment—undergoes a series of quality and safety checks to ensure compliance with stringent regulations. Due to the critical nature of this segment, manufacturers make use of robotics to conduct inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT) of aerospace components with utmost precision. Specialized robots make use of sensors and advanced imaging technologies to identify even the most minute defect.
2. Aerospace Manufacturing and Assembly
Aerospace manufacturing and assembly are highly sophisticated and complex processes. Therefore, most assembly lines across industries integrate robotics to save time and labor and prevent human errors. Various types of robots can be used to perform tasks such as drilling, riveting, fastening, and joining components with high precision and speed. Such automation can improve efficiency, reduce human error, and increase productivity. Assembly automation, composite manufacturing, painting and coating, and welding and cutting are a few major tasks undertaken by aerospace robotics to increase efficiency, improve quality, enhance safety, reduce cost, and ensure flexibility.
3. Space Exploration and Discovery
NASA’s rovers, including Curiosity and Perseverance, are installed with robotic arms and scientific instruments to explore the surface of planets and the moon. They are also capable of evaluating soil and rock samples to look out for signs of the past existence of life. Robots in the aerospace sector can gather samples from the surfaces of planets or asteroids for further exploration. These robots can analyze the surfaces on-site or can be returned to Earth for further analysis. Robotic probes, such as Voyager and New Horizons, explore distant regions of the solar system and beyond. These space robots collect and transmit data back to Earth.
4. Satellite Servicing and Maintenance
Robots play a vital role in satellite servicing and maintenance. The robotic arms implemented on spacecraft can repair or upgrade satellites in orbit. For example, the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) of NASA is capable of robotic refueling and executing the maintenance of satellites. Aerospace robotics can deploy, align, and calibrate satellite components, such as antennas and solar panels, in space. Robotic systems on the International Space Station (ISS) perform routine maintenance tasks, such as replacing equipment or repairing modules. The Canadarm2 helps in capturing and deploying cargo spacecraft.
5. Orbital Debris Mitigation
This field of robotics can be employed to capture and remove space debris that poses a risk to active satellites and space missions. These systems might use nets, harpoons, or robotic arms to handle debris.
6. Search and Rescue Operations
Aerospace robotics are becoming increasingly vital in search and rescue operations. These robots offer advanced capabilities that help save lives in challenging situations. After natural calamities, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods, aerial robots play a crucial role in gathering critical information and real-time images of the calamity-stricken areas. These robots have thermal cameras integrated to scan large areas to detect individuals trapped and evaluate structural damages.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with GPS and infrared sensors can explore remote areas like mountains, dense forests, or the open ocean. They are effective in inaccessible areas that experience harsh weather conditions that are dangerous or impossible for humans to navigate. Space Tourism and Habitation
These robots are set to transform space tourism and habitation. Space tourists going on orbital trips will rely heavily on robotics for safety. Robots can perform routine checks and repairs on spacecraft, ensuring everything operates smoothly during the journey.
7. Military and Defense Applications
In regions impacted by war or conflict, where dangers like landmines, unexploded bombs, or active combat zones threaten human lives, aerospace robotics plays a critical role in keeping rescuers safe. These advanced machines step in to take on the high-risk tasks that would otherwise endanger human teams. Aerospace robots are becoming lifesavers in the toughest situations by speeding up rescue efforts and making them more efficient. This technology ensures that vital assistance reaches those in desperate need when every second counts.
8. Scientific Research and Experimentation
Space laboratories like the ISS use robots to assist astronauts in conducting complex experiments in microgravity. Robotic spacecraft monitor space weather conditions, such as solar flares and cosmic radiation, which can impact satellites, astronauts, and even power grids on Earth. These robots are equipped with sensors to measure radiation levels, particle flux, and magnetic fields in space.
9. Emerging Applications
Future space stations, lunar bases, or Martian habitats will require extensive construction efforts. Aerospace robots will work alongside human astronauts to build these structures, often performing tasks that are too dangerous or physically exhausting for humans. For example, robots can 3D print buildings using local materials, handle heavy components, or conduct welding and assembly in space. This collaboration between humans and robots will ensure that construction in space is efficient and safe, paving the way for long-term human habitation on other planets.
10. Autonomous Drones for Air Traffic Management
As air traffic becomes more congested, aerospace robotics are being used to manage drones and other unmanned aerial systems (UAS). These robots can autonomously monitor air traffic, ensuring that both manned and unmanned aircraft can share airspace safely.
Wrapping Up Top 10 Robotics Use-Cases
The aerospace industry is going through an immense amount of transformation that is fueling the market growth. The world is rapidly working to bridge the gap between humans and robots to improve the efficiency of their operations. Aerospace robots are one of the significant milestones in this sector to improve the overall efficiency of the equipment and tools. KUKA Robotics, ABB, FANUC Corporation, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Universal Robots A/S, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, DENSO Corporation, COMAU S.p.A., Cognex Corporation, among others, are the key players in the sector that are driving innovation in this sector.
