SBIR-STTR Award

Aerobotix personnel have engineered and delivered eight turn-key robotic painting systems to apply performance coatings to the inlet ducts of several major programs. These successful systems are comprised of off-the-shelf FANUC robots outfitted with long composite tools to reach inside the inlets and accurately deposit coatings. Aerobotix proposes to expand the capability of existing, mature designs to include the additional complex articulation required for inspection/painting at the depot level. Aerobotix'approach can use the paint paths the AF has paid for and validated to execute complete or partial repairs. If we use similar robotic technology we will know where to position the paint nozzle throughout the duct to create a successful part. This approach allows the re-use of the process settings and manufacturing knowledge required to create parts that meet stringent performance requirements. In Phase I Aerobotix will determine how much additional articulation is required and will demonstrate an advanced end-of-arm tool.

Benefit:
This effort will validate that enhanced articulation capability can be added to off-the-shelf robotics to support depot/field level repair of coatings. This technology will reduce the cost of repairs as depot contractors will have confidence in purchasing a turn-key robotic system capable of executing the work.

Aerobotix is proposing to build and demonstrate a robotic coating system that is capable of spraying the entire interior of the F-22 inlet duct on an assembled aircraft. Aerobotix will utilize innovative designs for building a robotic end of arm tool, rail, and fluid delivery system to demonstrate how the coating can be applied to the required design thicknesses.

Benefits:
This automated coating system will replace the current process of manually spraying the F-22 inlet ducts, providing a safer process that saves time and money during the recoating efforts at the depot facilities.

Benefit:
Potential applications include the automated re-coating of an aircraft's inlet duct coating while in a depot state for multiple styles of fighter jets at various military locations.

Keywords:
Automated Inlet Coating, Innovative Robotic Hardware, End Of Arm Tool