Robotics

Prototype robots autonomously strip paint from aircraft using lasers

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Team of robots decoating a cargo plane
Preparing an aircraft for paint removal
The robot base unit
Sensors allow the arm to glide evenly over the plane’s surface
Close up of an arm following the wing surface
Team of robots decoating a cargo plane
The continuous wave laser
Mobile robot teams
Interface for visual masking
Rear view of robot base unit
Manipulator arm following the wing surface
Manipulator arm deploys
Mobile robotics base
Coating removal system
Sensors and laser pain remover on end of arm
Detecting bare and painted areas
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If you think stripping paint off an end table can be a messy, time consuming job, imagine removing paint and other coatings from an aircraft like the C-130 transport plane. Tasked with developing a robotic system that would take such a chore out of the hands of maintenance personnel, Carnegie Mellon University's National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) and Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, developed a team of robots that gets the job done – using laser beams, no less.

The prototype robots are being tested at the Hill Air Force Base in northern Utah as part of a program sponsored by the National Defense Center for Energy and Environment to develop ways to cut down on the labor costs, health hazards and environmental problems of repainting military planes. CTC is building six autonomous, mobile robots that work in teams to remove paint and other exterior coatings from fighter and transport planes.

Coating removal system

The large robots consist of a mobile platform on which is mounted a large, articulated arm that moves up and down on hydraulic lifts. On the end of each arm is an array of sensors that allow the arm to glide evenly over the plane’s surface and a continuous wave laser that removes the paint in selective layers. The sensors can also assess the plane’s condition as they go. The speed at which they work needs to remain even so that the laser can strip the paint without overheating the plane’s skin. Meanwhile, a custom High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) system safely collects paint debris as it is removed from the aircraft.

How many robots are required for each team depends on the aircraft. Two robots are enough for a fighter, but four robots might be needed for a cargo plane. The system controlling the robots generates plans for stripping the plane, which can be updated as the job proceeds. It also “virtually” masks areas of the plane that shouldn't be touched, so maintenance crews don’t have to run about with masking tape and paper.

Mobile robot teams

Using robots means that plane maintenance can carry on around the clock, but it also offers other advantages. For one thing, since they operate autonomously, crews aren't exposed to harmful chemicals or laser light. According to Jim Arthur, CTC principal process engineer and project manager, "automated laser decoating is expected to significantly reduce labor, waste volume, environmental risk, and overall cost."

The system is currently in the testing and demonstration phase, but NREC/CTS foresee the robots being used to not only strip, but to also apply paints and coatings as well as inspecting aircraft and doing maintenance and repair work.

Source: Carnegie Mellon University

View gallery - 15 images
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4 comments
Randy Moe
I envision this technology will be greatly expanded soon. Why not dismantle buildings, bridges...cities in a similar manner. And the flip is 3D printing on massive scale.
If we can imagine it we can do it.
George Krooglik
Brilliant idea and well done to the engineers.
This laser technology should be scaled down to hand held size and marketed as a grafitti removal device . Councils, county's etc around the world would buy the product in a heartbeat. Good luck..!
Stephen N Russell
Now apply same to cars, trucks, ships, airliners, pvt jets etc Huge market for & demand Im sure.
William Spears
The robotic technology for aircraft depainting was available in the mid 90's as was condersideation of lasars and other depainting methods. Aircraft coatings and other corrosion control methods are extremely varied with the wide variety of materials used in aircraft. Another good tool in our toolbox.