Factory of the future opts for mobile robots from RARUK automation
30
A
new first-of-its-kind fully connected factory is applying game-changing technologies – including MiR Autonomous Mobile Robots ( AMRs ) supplied by RARUK Automation – to help advance the manufacture of the UK ’ s nextgeneration combat aircraft system , Tempest . Located at the Warton facility of BAE Systems , the ‘ Factory of the Future ’ has been designed in such a way that it can flex to manufacture different products within the same area , leveraging the advantages provided by the MiRs and intelligent systems to accommodate changes quickly .
Designed specifically to provide a connected intelligent factory for military aircraft technologies , the ‘ Factory of the Future ’ showcases manufacturing in a digital age . The facility serves as an experimental hub equipped with state-of-the-art technology to enable the brightest and boldest engineers to research , invest and test new technologies , build new capabilities and harness transformative ways of working .
“ Notably , the ‘ Factory of the Future ’ demonstrates how BAE Systems remains competitive within the aerospace industry and addresses the challenges we are facing around cost / time reduction for future aircraft programmes ,” explains Ismail Master , Manufacturing Development Engineer - Manufacturing Technology , at BAE Systems - Air .
Serving as the central logistics function within the new facility are a number of MiR autonomous mobile robots supplied by RARUK Automation .
“ The MiRs enable a fully autonomous logistics solution for material flow within the facility ,” explains Mr Master . “ We are developing this capability and exploring how it integrates into existing and new production facilities . The robots will work collaboratively alongside operators , distributing material line-side to assembly stations on a just-in-time basis .”
The MiR robots are part of a wider logistics solution with a dedicated cell comprising a pick and place robot , vertical storage carousel and intelligent safety systems .
“ This cell is dedicated to storing and maintaining assets from goods delivery into the facility as and when they are required ,” says Mr Master . “ Full system integration facilitates the autonomous collection and distribution of assets to the wider factory and , conversely ,