Aerobotix Robot Paints Five Types of Military Radomes

Aerobotix, Inc. (ABX), a turnkey robotic integrator for FANUC Robotics, just received final acceptance to start production sprays on five types of aircraft radomes. ABX was challenged by Robins Air Force Base (RAFB) to design a robotic paint system capable of applying high-performance military coatings to the C-17, C-5, C-130, F-15, and Talon II. The radome sizes and coatings vary greatly, but RAFB had access to only one spray booth and funding for one robotic system. ABX used FANUC RoboGuide offline simulation software to concept a robotic coating system and end-of-arm tool capable of processing all areas of each part. ABX received the contract, built the system, developed all the coating process parameters, created the path programs, validated each coating for each part, installed the system and trained the painters how to operate the system. The painters are now the operators of the robotic system and enjoy an air conditioned control room instead of exposure to hazardous chemicals. RAFB saved a sixth part, known as the C-130 Spinner, as a training opportunity. ABX will remain on-site to train the customer through all the steps of developing coating parameters and path programs for this last part.