Airbus has validated an innovative new tool- "connected" glasses, that can increase efficiency and save time on the A330 airli...
Airbus has validated an innovative new tool- "connected" glasses, that can increase efficiency and save time on the A330 airliner final assembly line.
Working with an industry partner, Airbus has developed a revolutionary “connected” glasses tool, which is worn by final assembly line technicians to enable precise positioning – down to the millimetre – during the cabin installation marking process, when operators designate the exact location where seats and cabin furnishings should be affixed inside the aircraft.
The head-worn technology features a camera – to scan barcodes so the user can see the specific cabin plans and information based on individual customer requirements, as well as view the marking zone.
The glasses also feature an offset screen that displays several navigation icons and items in augmented reality. In addition, when the mark has been made, its location is checked by the tool to validate the operation.
With the new tool, time spent per aircraft on marking operations is divided by six with an error rate reduced to zero, regardless of the user's experience. Even newcomers, after a short training session, can now be entrusted with complex works.
Interactivity with the technology is provided via voice recognition, using simple English commands to avoid interference from the French-speaking environment at Airbus’ Clément Ader facility in Toulouse, France, where final assembly for the popular A330 Family occurs.
Following a quick development time after the project’s launch in January, the first prototype of the tool was available in February for initial testing and validation. To date, the glasses have been evaluated on five aircraft, allowing Airbus to make significant observations of its application on the A330 final assembly line.
Currently being implemented in A330 cabin furnishing operations, Airbus is envisioned to expand its usage on the final assembly lines of the company’s other aircraft.
The tool, will aide Airbus's production ramp-up plans across its product line of commercial jetliners.
