Terminally Guided Robots and Robotic Applications in Confined Spaces

This proposal focuses on the need to develop a cutting tool for the robotic drilling process. We have enlisted ComauPico as a partner in this venture and all testing shall be carried out in their robotic drilling testing cell by their engineers. This will allow us to get first hand information in robotic drilling that we would not have otherwise been available. In ComauPico’s recent testing, it was observed that there can be a point where the thrust exerted by the drill exceeds the force of pressure foot. In talks with ComauPico we have identified this as the root cause that has led to the inaccuracies reported in their testing. Composite Cutter Technology’s proposal is to develop a drill bit comprised of state of the art materials while incorporating advanced, patent pending cutting geometry to enhance the initial cutter-to-material engagement, which will reduce the forces on the material and the robotic system. Without the development of a cutter of this type, the thrust forces from the drilling process exceed the levels required for robot stability and consistent hole quality that are required by today’s aerospace industry.