The present invention discloses a method for controlling a multi-robot collaborating intelligent drilling and riveting system for a shelter, including the following steps: generating a robot scanning trace according to a key characteristic parameter of the shelter; performing laser scanning on an angle aluminum edge to acquire a drilling position of the shelter; establishing a task allocation mechanism, establishing a drilling and riveting task propensity model according to the task allocation mechanism, and allocating automatic drilling and riveting tasks to multiple robots based on the drilling and riveting task propensity model; and establishing a drilling angle compensation value model, where automatic drilling and riveting robots perform position compensation based on the drilling angle compensation value model to complete drilling and riveting.

A method and apparatus for installing a wheel arm assembly for an autonomous vehicle. The wheel arm assembly may be inserted into a base of the autonomous vehicle from the exterior of the base. A number of fasteners may be installed at the exterior of the base to attach the wheel arm assembly to the base of the autonomous vehicle.

A method and apparatus for performing an operation on a work surface of a structure. The apparatus may comprise a motion platform and an overhead support system. The motion platform may be configured to be positioned above the work surface of the structure to perform the operation on the work surface. The overhead support system may be configured to carry the motion platform across a floor of a manufacturing environment from a first location to a second location.

A system includes a frame having spaced apart first and second upright members, and a robot including an end effector and a plurality of arms. The arms extend from the end effector and clamp onto the first and second frame members to position the end effector between the first and second frame members.

A method and apparatus for performing an assembly operation. A tool may be macro-positioned relative to an exterior of a fuselage assembly. The tool may be micro-positioned relative to a particular location on the exterior of the fuselage assembly. An end effector is removably associated with an external robotic device associated with an external mobile platform. The tool is removably associated with the end effector. An assembly operation may be performed at the particular location on the panel using the tool.

A method of installing a push-in fastener includes the steps homing a floating tool assembly to a home position, the floating tool assembly carries a locating pin and a punch, releasing the floating tool assembly, positioning a workpiece at a target position, retrieving a fastener with the punch, engaging the workpiece with the locating pin which causes the floating tool assembly to move to a desired working position with respect to the workpiece, locking the floating tool assembly in the desired working position, retracting the locating pin, and advancing the punch to install the fastener in the workpiece.

A method of installing a push-in fastener includes the steps homing a floating tool assembly to a home position, the floating tool assembly carries a locating pin and a punch, releasing the floating tool assembly, positioning a workpiece at a target position, retrieving a fastener with the punch, engaging the workpiece with the locating pin which causes the floating tool assembly to move to a desired working position with respect to the workpiece, locking the floating tool assembly in the desired working position, retracting the locating pin, and advancing the punch to install the fastener in the workpiece.

A method and apparatus for building a fuselage assembly for an aircraft. A number of fixtures may be drive across a floor to an assembly area to form an assembly fixture. The fuselage assembly may be built on the assembly fixture.

A method and apparatus for building a fuselage assembly for an aircraft. A number of fixtures may be drive across a floor to an assembly area to form an assembly fixture. The fuselage assembly may be built on the assembly fixture.

Cushions, methods, and manufacturing systems for making the same are disclosed. The cushions may be foamless such as being made from a body of entangled and/or intertwined polymeric strands. The manufacturing systems may include a die such as die bars having a plurality of orifices that cooperate with a plurality of receptacles and actuators for discharging a plurality of fasteners from the receptacles, through the die into the cushions. In a refinement, the die may be heated such that a skinned over membrane is created in the cushion to retain the plurality of fasteners. A trim cover may cooperate with the plurality of fasteners such that it is attached to the cushion.