Universal Robots and Ultima Forma collaborate to fuel the decarbonisation of aerospace
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENERGY TRANSITION SOLUTIONS
UNIVERSAL ROBOTS
Universal Robots and Ultima Forma collaborate to fuel the decarbonisation of aerospace
Ultima Forma , a UK-based technology pioneer , has joined forces with global leader in collaborative robotics ( cobots ) Universal Robots , to tackle a critical challenge : net-zero aviation . The partnership combines advanced robotics with cutting-edge materials science to help power the next frontier in alternativepropulsion technology from as early as 2035 , with the longterm aim of reducing global CO2 emissions by up to 4 %.
Liquid hydrogen fuel is one of the most promising technologies to reduce aviation ’ s climate impact , but it has to be stored in tanks at temperatures below -250 ° C . This means that the materials used need to be ductile and strong at these very low temperatures while also being lightweight as every kilogram is critical in an aerospace application .
Ultima Forma has developed a multi-layer solution which combines very thin layers of different metals to tune the properties of the material to remain strong at low temperatures . However , the process needs to be done with great precision each time .
Universal Robots ’ UR10e provides Ultima Forma with the means to control the deposition of the metal in each step of the process delivering up to 0.1 millimetres precision – something that is not possible with human workers alone .
“ The high level of control that advanced robotics allows us to have is essential for the quality standards required in aerospace manufacturing ,” says Professor Andy Bushby , Chief Technology Officer at Ultima Forma . ” This precision is only achievable with Universal Robots ’ cobots as it guarantees the quality and repeatability of those parts , providing our customers with assurance of nanometre-level consistency . Our vision is to use material science , advanced technologies and key partnerships , with companies like Universal Robots , to accelerate the shift toward sustainable energy and help shape the future of aviation .”
With little to no coding or robotics experience required , Ultima Forma was able to get the UR10e unboxed and up and running to a basic level within four hours .
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