Aerobotix and FerRobotics, two leading robotics companies based in the U.S. and Austria respectively, announced they will exhibit their new Active Taping Kit (ATK) tool at Automate 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. This will be the first public demonstration of the ATK in North America.
Aerobotix and FerRobotics partnered on the ATK in response to aerospace industry demand for an automated tool for precision application of masking tape. Collaboration between engineers from the two companies led to the development of a revolutionary End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) after months of prototypes and testing.
FerRobotics’ patented Active Compliant Technology (ACT) enables a robot to use varying force when applying tape to an aircraft. The ATK allows for smooth masking on parts varying in shape, putting down perfectly straight tape lines where the customer needs them.
“Customer demand for masking-tape automation was always there, but until now, the technology wasn’t,” said Kent Pfeifer, Aerobotix lead process engineer. “The ATK solution we’ve developed with FerRobotics has the smarts and sensitivity to apply tape repeatably every time.
The ATK features precision control of all individual process parameters – contact force, cutting, and tape consumption. The ready-to-use solution is highly durable and designed to apply various kinds of tapes on any part or surface with exact repeatability. It delivers perfect results without bubbles or wrinkles.
The ATK exceeded expectations for precision and reliability when it underwent testing at Aerobotix’s in-house process laboratory – a facility housing a range of automated systems used to paint, cure, sand and inspect products for aerospace and defense customers.
In November, the ATK was honored as one of only five projects to be nominated for the Econovius, a special prize under the Austrian National Innovation Award. The successful nominees were selected from more than 400 entries. The Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy presents the ANI Award annually to encourage companies to develop innovative products that contribute to the country’s economic growth.
