**Description**
Traditional solutions developed for the aerospace industry must overcome challenges posed for automation systems like design, requalification, large manual content, access, and tight tolerances.  At the same time, automated systems should avoid the use of dedicated equipment so they can be shared between jigs; moved between floor levels and access either side of the workpiece. This article describes the development of a robotic system for drilling and inspection for small aerostructure manufacturing specifically designed to tackle these requirements. The system comprises three work packages: connection within the digital thread (from concept through to operational metrics including Statistical Process Control), innovative lightweight / low energy drill, and auto tool-change with in-process metrology. The validation tests demonstrating technology readiness level 6 are presented and results are shown and discussed.

**Author(s) - ranked in descending order of contribution / as it should appear when published**
Roger Holden           True Position Robotics Limited
Andy Portsmore      GKN Aerospace
Simon Cheetham    BAE Systems Limited
Marco Chacin           Airbus
Oliver Selby              FANUC UK



Development of a robotic system for automated drilling and inspection of small aerostructures

SAE International’s AeroTech is the premier global aerospace technology conference and exhibition focused on and celebrating innovation in virtually every facet of modern aerospace and defense mobility, including platform, system, subsystem, component, and material research and development, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, test and validation, certification, integration, deployment, sustainment, safety, security, and sustainability. Innovators and thought-leaders from the global aerospace community convene annually at AeroTech to share and learn about the latest advancements and achievements, advance technical knowledge and innovation, discuss challenges and practical solutions, discover new technologies and techniques, uncover trends and opportunities, network, and collaborate.