In an initial test, the robot, called AEON, finds its way to an assembly such as a PC-24 fuselage sidewall and checks that a worker has fitted the right component in the right place. Pilatus says the robot could eventually do those checks at night, inspecting work completed during the day.
AEON uses sensors, artificial intelligence and precision measurement to inspect parts, handle objects and make digital recordings. Before it can carry out an inspection, it must identify where assemblies are located and navigate the hangar without putting workers or aircraft components at risk.
“Initially, the robot triggered a certain sense of unease among some employees in my team,” said Benjamin Mettler, head of structure assembly at Pilatus, whose hangar is hosting the trial. “But we certainly recognize the robot’s potential.”
“It’s not about replacing people,” said Kilian Läubli, the Pilatus project manager overseeing the trial. “The idea is to have robots perform highly repetitive or unattractive or physically demanding jobs – tasks for which Pilatus generally has difficulty recruiting staff.”
“The technology is developing very quickly, but there are still many hurdles ahead,” Läubli said. “For example, a regulatory framework needs to be set up to define exactly how these robots can be used legally.”
