Problems
Small quantities and long product life cycles result in labor-intensive assembly volumes. Among other things, this leads to the relocation of production to low-wage countries. To maintain the competitiveness of Germany as a high-wage location, there is a need for reconfigurable, automated production systems for large component assembly.
Objectives
Innovative production technologies will enable large component assembly to react quickly and flexibly. A uniform control concept ensures resistance to errors, through automatic quality inspection.
Approach
Adaptive and energy-efficient grippers based on shape memory alloys are used. Virtual planning of real assembly processes by means of a digital twin, as well as assistance systems for employee support and innovative control concepts for rapid integration of new components are also used. Non-destructive inspection processes for automatic quality testing and documentation round off the overall package.
Areas of application
These technologies are used in the assembly of large components, e.g. in aircraft construction and wind turbines. A transferability to areas with similar challenges is given.