Carrying out maintenance quickly and efficiently is essential in the aviation industry. We develop smart software and robotics solutions for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of existing aircraft components.
Nowadays, repair and re-use of components is becoming a major necessity, even more in the aerospace industry. Such components are expensive to manufacture, in terms of resources, costs and materials. Repairs can insure a lower impact, but they are currently too slow and limited due to the fully manual nature. This project will help KLM with the journey towards introducing automated solutions that can help and work alongside operators and boost repair times and costs greatly. The overarching BrightSky project also covers airport security and automation of logistics involving ground handling and airport systems.
End effector for automated inspection
We are developing the robotic solution for automated inspection, maintenance and repair of metal parts from existing airplane engine parts. This technology aligns with SAM XL’s expertise and involves:
This project has received funding from the “Subsidieregeling R&D Mobiliteitssectoren (RDM)” by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland.
The next generation of aircraft will need to reduce their CO₂ emissions in many areas. In this project, we are focusing on improving the leading edge of aircraft wings.
We are developing a new technology to bond different types of composites together. This hybrid technology bonds thermoplastic composites with thermosets. The aim is to make aircraft and other large structures lighter and more sustainable.
SAM XL develops smart robotic solutions for welding ship panels together. This is currently mainly done manually.
The digital knowledge of employees in the manufacturing industry is often limited. This project will focus on speeding up the development, broadening and deepening of that digital knowledge.
Research institutions and companies are collaborating to enable the production of lightweight aircraft. The innovative technologies focus on the machining of thermoplastic composites.
The manufacturing sector is in desperate need of digitally skilled staff. Together with other knowledge institutions, SAM XL is committed to fostering versatile expertise in digitalisation and automation.
SAM XL is advancing new technologies for continuous ultrasonic welding and – together with partners – thermoforming of thermoplastic composites so they can be applied in industrial manufacturing of large, lightweight aircraft structures.
SAM XL is developing future production technology using smart robots. These robots can be deployed flexibly: they adapt their operations quickly, without the need for additional programming. This makes variable production straightforward.