Why Aerospace Needs Adaptive Production – Summary
As the aerospace and defense industry pushes to increase the production volumes of new aircraft such as drones, new ways to transform its manufacturing processes are being explored to make that goal a reality, incorporating novel strategies and smart technologies. Among these strategies is automation, which has been steadily growing within A&D for some time and taking on more and more complex production tasks. However, automation is not the only strategy critical for this shift. Adaptive production can also play a critical role in getting new aircraft into the sky.
In the latest episode of Talking Aerospace Today, Todd Tuthill, Vice President of Aerospace, Defense, and Marine for Siemens Digital Industries Software, is joined again by Suresh Rama, Portfolio Development Executive in digital manufacturing for Siemens. They continue their conversation from the previous episode, discussing how automation can benefit the entire A&D manufacturing ecosystem, as well as what adaptive production is and how the A&D industry can use it in its push to boost production.
Automation in the aerospace ecosystem
Automation is increasingly gaining traction in aerospace manufacturing by taking on more complicated tasks once thought to be possible only through human workers, all the while increasing product output. This is the typical outcome expected in a manufacturing environment, but how does automation impact the wider A&D manufacturing ecosystem? After all, it is often not just one factory that produces all the components for an aircraft. Where does automation fit in with suppliers and non-OEMs?
In fact, automation already plays a significant role for these kinds of organizations, particularly in the field of electronics. Many new aircraft designs, not just drones, have been increasingly integrating software into their functions, and thus require various electronic components. The manufacturing of electronics is already highly automated since such components require an incredible amount of precision and quality control. As electronics become more intertwined with aerospace manufacturing, this type of automation is certain to carry over.
Another way automation affects the A&D manufacturing ecosystem is changing how parts are designed to be optimal for automated manufacturing. A common question all process engineers must ask is, “How will I put this product together?” Designing for automation, as Suresh calls it, makes answering that question easier for the processing engineer, as parts are already provided with key points where they can be grabbed on assembly lines and then put together. This strategy can help reach the A&D industry reach the higher production volumes it desires.
The rise of adaptive production
To reach those volumes, however, automation is not the only kind of strategy aerospace manufacturing processes can use. Adaptive production can also be a key factor. Suresh defines adaptive production as a production methodology that using real-time data and advanced analytics to refine and adjust manufacturing processes dynamically. Utilizing smart technologies such as IoT sensors on robotic assembly lines and even artificial intelligence and machine learning, adaptive production alters and optimizes production processes based on changing conditions within a given period of time.
This can be crucial, especially with the increased volume and variance expected from drones and uncrewed aircraft. For example, a series of drones might share the same airframe, but their internal components might differ depending on the mission they are being designed for. With adaptive production strategies, all these variants can be manufactured in the same factory, even on the same assembly line, without having to spend time and resources to replace or reconfigure hard tooling for every variant. Additionally, if demand for a particular variant suddenly surges, an adaptive assembly line can easily make adjustments to compensate for higher volumes.
Automation offers many benefits across the A&D manufacturing ecosystem, but it is simply one piece of the puzzle. Adaptive production strategies utilize the latest in smart and digital technologies and optimize their production processes to handle a wide variety of conditions. Combining these strategies can give manufacturers the infrastructure and capabilities necessary to unleash a new wave of aircraft for the 21st century.
Be sure to listen to the Talking Aerospace Today podcast to learn more about transforming the world of aerospace manufacturing.
Siemens Digital Industries Software helps organizations of all sizes digitally transform using software, hardware and services from the Siemens Xcelerator business platform. Siemens’ software and the comprehensive digital twin enable companies to optimize their design, engineering and manufacturing processes to turn today’s ideas into the sustainable products of the future. From chips to entire systems, from product to process, across all industries. Siemens Digital Industries Software – Accelerating transformation.
