Robots Drilling Fastener Holes in Boeing 777
FEATURE
Credit: Puget Sound Business Journal
MEDIA SPOTLIGHT – More robots and fewer people, will be driving Boeing’s future 777X production line in Everett, if the proposed contract extension is approved by union members Nov. 13.
An early use of robots is Boeing’s “flextrack” system to drill fastener holes in 777 skins.
“Behind the scenes Boeing has been preparing a turn toward much greater use of automation, as a way to increase quality and lower costs, and possibly buffer the company against any labor unrest further in the future,” Puget Sound Business Journal reporter Steve Wilhelm wrote.
Jason Clark, 777 director of manufacturing, described German automaker BMW’s highly robotized factory in Munich as the benchmark for Boeing.
Last year a team from Boeing visited the Munich BWM factory and German robot-maker Kuka.
Today nearly 90% of the 777 is traditionally built by hand vs. at BMW 95% of each car is assembled by robot.
“Within five to 10 years, you’re going to see a remarkable difference in how we do airplanes, how we assemble airplanes,” Clark told the Business Journal.
Editor’s Note: Articles in Media Spotlight are excerpts from publications or broadcasts, which show the industry what the public is reading or hearing about fasteners and fastener companies.
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