Methods and systems for configuring a manual and/or automated processing system to conform to a contoured surface of a structure are disclosed. One example includes an automated processing system with a flexible rail configuration. One or more turnbuckles and/or other actuators configure and hold the flexible rail configuration into conformity with the surface (which could be flat or of a curvature) during processing by the automated processing system. Additionally, one or more combination suction-cup pressurized-air devices may be coupled to the flexible rail configuration for selectively attaching the flexible rail configuration to the contoured surface and also for selectively releasing and/or facilitating elevation and movement of the flexible rail configuration above and about the contoured surface. A multi-function end effector may be associated with the flexible rail configuration and be moveable relative thereto.

A guiding device includes a rail which extends in a direction, a plurality of runners distributed in the direction, and, for each runner, at least one runner/rail connection connecting each runner and the rail, configured to allow each runner to pivot independently from the other runners relative to the rail, around an axis of pivoting parallel to the direction.

A machine tool for carrying out operations on a part includes a longitudinal rail, a transverse arm, a module for connection between the transverse arm and the longitudinal rail, the module being fitted in translation on the longitudinal rail, a tool which is supported by the transverse arm, and a retention unit which is arranged at one end of the transverse arm, and includes at least one sucker. The machine tool has an assembly configurationin which the retention unit and the tool are positioned respectively on both sides of the longitudinal rail, such that the tool is fitted cantilevered relative to the longitudinal rail. This provides the machine tool with great polyvalence, in that it makes it possible to carry out operations in areas which in particular have significant curvatures, which are difficult to access, or which are unsuitable for securing of the sucker(s) of the retention unit.

Provided is a router guide that comprises: a guide part that has a first through-hole and a guide surface that guides a cutting tool attachment part of a router device along the first through-hole; a maintaining part that maintains the position of the guide surface; and a positioning part that positions the guide part. The guide surface is formed such that, in a state where the maintaining part is in contact with a surface of a composite material, the distance from the surface becomes smaller as the guide surface approaches a second through-hole. The guide part is formed so as to be elastically deformable. In a case where the guide part is caused to elastically deform along the surface shape of the composite material, the maintaining part maintains the position of the guide surface with respect to the surface at a position that corresponds to the surface shape.

A tool-holder including: a first rail and a second rail that are parallel and each of which includes first fixing elements configured for fixing said rail to the surface, a driving slide including first guiding elements configured to slide over the first rail, a drive system configured to move the driving slide along the first rail and a first fixing system, a driven slide including second guiding elements configured to provide a sliding connection with the second rail and a second fixing system, an assembly bar carrying a first complementary fixing system cooperating with the first fixing system to form a removable fixing between them, a second complementary fixing system intended to cooperate with the second fixing system to form a removable fixing between them, and a carriage having a first assembly system, and a movement system on which the carriage is fixed and that is configured to move said carriage along the assembly bar, and a support module including second fixing elements for fixing the tool and a second assembly system intended to cooperate with the first assembly system to form a removable fixing between them.

Methods and systems for configuring a manual and/or automated processing system to conform to a contoured surface of a structure are disclosed. One example includes an automated processing system with a flexible rail configuration. One or more turnbuckles and/or other actuators configure and hold the flexible rail configuration into conformity with the surface (which could be flat or of a curvature) during processing by the automated processing system. Additionally, one or more combination suction-cup pressurized-air devices may be coupled to the flexible rail configuration for selectively attaching the flexible rail configuration to the contoured surface and also for selectively releasing and/or facilitating elevation and movement of the flexible rail configuration above and about the contoured surface. A multi-function end effector may be associated with the flexible rail configuration and be moveable relative thereto.