An automated storage unit publishing system may include a recording device for recording information on a storage unit memory chip; a bin plate with a storage unit bin and a casing bin; an assembling mechanism movably attached to the bin plate, the assembling deck comprising a shuttle for removing a selected sized casing from the casing bin and a recorded flash memory chip from the chip bin and assembling the two into a single unit using pressure; a printing device for printing marks, indications or decoration on the casing, and a gripping device for placing the finished unit in an output mechanism.

An emulator configured to emulate an automated aircraft assembly jig supporting an aircraft assembly is disclosed. The emulator connectable to an automated equipment module and configured to: send a first signal to an automated equipment module, wherein the first signal is representative of a communication to the automated equipment module; and receive a second signal from the automated equipment module representative of a communication from the automated equipment module, wherein the automated equipment module is arranged to operate autonomously on an aircraft assembly.

A press frame for a robot system includes a base, a bridge and a set of columns supporting the bridge above the base. A first robot holds a part on the base and a second robot manipulates a pressing tool to press a component into an opening. The pressing tool is backed by the bridge that opposes a reaction force resulting from pressing the component part into the part. A method of assembling components to a part by pressing the part into an opening while engaging the bridge of a reaction frame. The part is transferred to the base by a first robot that positions the part on the base. A pressing tool and a component are selected by a second robot that orients the component to be inserted in the opening. Data relating to displacement, load and time is collected by the controller.

A flexible pressing system for accepting and rejecting pressed part into a part may include a pressing apparatus configured to press components into a hole of a part and a controller programmed to receive press data for a press of at least one of the components, the press data including force, distance and time of the press, and determine whether the force is indicative of an inadequate press based on the force and distance at a specific time of the press.

An integrated control system for a flexible pressing system may include a first robot including a gripper for manipulating a part, a second robot including a pressing tool, and a controller configured to instruct the first robot to move the part into a pressing position and to instruct the second robot to concurrently ready the pressing tool for pressing.

Techniques for flexible, on-site additive manufacturing of components or portions thereof for transport structures are disclosed. An automated assembly system for a transport structure may include a plurality of automated constructors to assemble the transport structure. In one aspect, the assembly system may span the full vertically integrated production process, from powder production to recycling. At least some of the automated constructors are able to move in an automated fashion between the station under the guidance of a control system. A first of the automated constructors may include a 3-D printer to print at least a portion of a component and to transfer the component to a second one of the automated constructors for installation during the assembly of the transport structure. The automated constructors may also be adapted to perform a variety of different tasks utilizing sensors for enabling machine-learning.

Methods and systems for installing and verifying installation of a fastener assembly using predictive verification. A method includes receiving, at a processor, at least one fastener assembly hole characteristic of a fastener assembly hole. The method further includes determining, via the processor, whether the at least one fastener assembly hole characteristic is within a predetermined range of fastener assembly hole variable and, upon determining the at least one fastener assembly hole characteristic is within the predetermined range of fastener assembly hole variables, transmitting instructions, via the processor, to a fastening device to initiate installation of a fastener assembly in the fastener assembly hole. The processor then receives at least one installation value of the fastener assembly and determines via the processor, whether the installation value is within a predetermined range of fastener installation variables.

An example storage unit for a Universal Serial Bus drive can include: a casing integrated with a Universal Serial Bus data interface; a memory chip; a connector that couples the memory chip to the casing; and opposing tines extending from the connector, the opposing tines being flexible to allow the storage unit to be inserted and retained in an outer casing.

Techniques for flexible, on-site additive manufacturing of components or portions thereof for transport structures are disclosed. An automated assembly system for a transport structure may include a plurality of automated constructors to assemble the transport structure. In one aspect, the assembly system may span the full vertically integrated production process, from powder production to recycling. At least some of the automated constructors are able to move in an automated fashion between the station under the guidance of a control system. A first of the automated constructors may include a 3-D printer to print at least a portion of a component and to transfer the component to a second one of the automated constructors for installation during the assembly of the transport structure. The automated constructors may also be adapted to perform a variety of different tasks utilizing sensors for enabling machine-learning.

The invention relates to a system for controlling manual operations during production of an assembly of parts, the system comprising a portable hand tool allowing an assembly technician to perform manual operations on a plurality of elements of said assembly of parts, and locating means integrated at least in part into an electronic module attached to said portable hand tool and able to determine a location of at least one manual operation associated with an element by locating the position of said portable hand tool in a three-dimensional coordinate system associated with a set of modelling data representing a three-dimensional modelled image of said assembly of parts. According to the invention, said locating means comprise a depth camera belonging to said electronic module and a processing module able to estimate the position of said portable hand tool on the basis of images captured by said depth camera.