The Boeing Company

Lorrie Sivich

Farshad Forouhar

Gregg W Podnar

Robert William Grube

Jerry Dean Zayic

Joseph D Doyle

Jim Gardiner

Thomas K Williams

Carrie Rule

Jim E Gardiner

A method includes receiving topic names from a metrology interface device, where the topic names correspond to data generated by metrology devices associated with a manufacturing operation. The method also includes accessing a data stream from the metrology interface device. The data stream includes converted metrology data (in a common format) from the metrology devices and corresponding topic names. The method further includes extracting first converted metrology data from the data stream based on a first topic name of the topic names. The first converted metrology data is generated by converting first metrology data from a first metrology device of the metrology devices to the first converted metrology data having the common format. The method also includes comparing the first converted metrology data to a specification, detecting a condition based on the comparison, and sending a command to a manufacturing device based on the condition.

Manufacturing device control based on metrology data

Automated dynamic manufacturing systems may provide for alignment of multiple components with respect to one another, such as an apparatus, a robot, and a supply of parts. The alignment may initially be performed roughly, using a global metrology device configured to track the apparatus, robot, and supply of parts, each of which may be movable with respect to the others, such as by being positioned on a respective automated guided vehicle. Alignment may then be performed to closer tolerances using a local metrology device coupled to the robot and configured to accurately position an end effector, such that the end effector may perform a manufacturing task on the apparatus, such as a pick-and-place process involving transporting an individual part from the supply of parts, transferring it to the apparatus, and coupling it thereto. Such systems and methods may be used to perform manufacturing processes on large apparatus, such as aircraft.

Automated dynamic manufacturing systems and related methods

Growing community of inventors

Federal Way, WA, United States of America

Lorrie Sivich