The feasibility study, AFAL, initiated in 2021 with DAHER, ended a few days ago. 

 

In the current context, automatic draping technologies are poorly adapted to small parts and require the intervention of specialised operators. While their skills are essential for complex parts, it is interesting to think about automation for simpler parts.  In this way, we can imagine a man/machine pairing that makes it possible to draw the best qualities from each part, i.e. the speed and repeatability of a robot and the dexterity and judgement of an experienced draper.

 

This 12-month feasibility study identified the technological challenges related to the automation of the draping process, with a focus on the removal and layering tasks, and on prepreg fabric.

 

An iterative-incremental approach leading to first satisfactory solutions

With an iterative-incremental and highly experimental approach, the work focused on the development and evaluation of gripping and marouflage tools, on the different robotic control strategies for carrying out these tasks and on possible marouflage simulation methods, with the development of a first model.

 

 

These results, although conclusive, must be pursued. A follow-up is currently being considered in order to remove the last barriers identified.