Next Generation Automation for Aerospace Composites

It is estimated by both Boeing and Airbus that around 40,000 commercial aircraft will be required over the next twenty years. In addition, the US military researching concepts of swarms of unmanned systems (UAVs) with limited life (or even disposable) and very low cost. Finally, the Air Taxi concept is no longer a 40 year old dream of a flying car. A state change must happen if the aerospace industry is to achieve production rates for these future aircraft. Automation of composites is going to be a major component to enable this next generation of aircraft. This panel will explore the possibilities in automation that can provide solutions to the aerospace industrial base.