ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — From sanding to scanning and a number of other tasks, robots are reinventing the workflow at Robins Air Force Base.
Engineer Jessica Adams says the base utilizes about 40 robots already with plans to integrate the technology in other areas.
"Being able to go from hours to minutes really opens up what kind of applications we can go after with robotics," she says.
Not only do the robots cut down on time, Adams says they also reduce wear and tear on workers.
"We have a lot of processes here that could expose them to dust or noise or ergonomic force on your body, forcing strain. So what we want to do is give them a new tool to remove them further away from the hazard but still enable them to do their job," Adams said.
She says the new robots also bring more accuracy.
"They used to require a coin-tap test, which is what it sounds like. They tap a coin and listen," Adams said. "We now have a microwave scanning probe that can do the same thing."
All of the data collected by the robots is also much easier to store and find digitally instead of searching through decades of paper documents.
"Now I can show them on a 3-D model on a computer screen where I found defects versus trying to write it out on paper," Adams said.
While the robots are useful in many areas, Adams says there are still many challenges.
"All of the almost 'artwork' skills are very hard to automate," she says. "How do I teach a robot to 'feel' when it is done sanding?"
She says robots at Robins have to be flexible with their skills and location, presenting another challenge.
"This F-15 radome is not going to be damaged or weathered in the same way that another one will be, so that makes our challenges here a lot harder than just trying to do it like an automotive industry would," Adams said
As they work through these challenges and bring more robots on board, Adams says her team is always looking for new engineers to help run the machines and integrate them into the workflow. Open positions at Robins can be found through USA Jobs.