3D Scanning Updates Robot Motion Path Delivering Intelligent Adaptive Part Sanding

Aerobotix and Manufacturing Automation Systems (MAS), two leading FANUC robot integrators, demonstrated intelligent adaptive sanding at the recent Automate 2024 exhibition in Chicago. The innovative technology marks a significant advancement in the robotic sanding process, promising part quality control and time saving in the path programming process.

MAS’s cutting-edge QC Plus software allows the robot to scan a component, create custom paths, and adapt it with zero input from a robot operator. Integrating with FerRobotics’ patented Active Compliant Technology (ACT) enables the robot to use varying force when sanding, delivering the best quality.

“With the help of MAS, we are giving the robot ‘eyes’ to go sand where it needs to,” said Josh Tuttle, business development manager at Aerobotix. “Instead of having a baseline program, telling the robot to run so many times across a component, it can scan, create custom paths, and focus only on points that require sanding.”

The Automate presentation was the first public demonstration of the system which has been specifically designed for the aerospace sector. Collaboration efforts came in response to manufacturers’ struggles in reaching desired net shape, time constraints, and lack of workforce.

“We’re excited for this breakthrough and the opportunity to showcase our software capabilities to not only the robot industry but also the aerospace manufacturing community,” says Jacob Cipriano, engineering manager at MAS. “This collaborative effort could not have come at a better time, and we know the impact it can have for manufacturing.”