The automated assembly of large aircraft panels and subassemblies poses some difficult challenges. An attractive option is to fabricate accurate parts and subassemblies with conventional machine tools, then use those accurate parts to build up larger subassemblies, and finally use either dedicated machines, portable automated machines or manual processes to drill and/or fasten major assemblies. Limitations of automation are encountered as assemblies increase in size, along with limited access, tooling obstructions and scaffolding load limitations. The challenge with automating the joining of these types of assemblies is to build a system that can fasten a narrow joint and work within the aircraft, tooling and scaffolding constraints.
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