Robot cells

The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) Center for Lightweight-Production-Technology (ZLP) in Augsburg conducts research into the automation and holistic optimisation of production processes for lightweight structures. The focus is on robot-assisted production of components made of fibre composite materials for the aerospace industry. For this purpose, the multifunctional robot cell (MFZ) provides researchers with a flexible infrastructure that is unique within Europe, enabling full-scale research. MFZ and three other robot cells allow a wide range of production processes to be developed in line with industry requirements, as well as enabling researchers to study their capacity for automation. Holistic research along the entire process chain allows the ZLP to respond to the specific needs of industry. This eases the path from innovation to application.

Industrial robots test the manufacturing of lightweight materials

multifunctional robot cell (MFZ)

In the multifunctional robot cell, six robots working together or alone are suspended from the ceiling and are flexible enough to be used for a range of projects. The robots can handle very large components within the 15 by 30 by 7 metre cell, which can be divided into up to four autonomous robot cells.

The facility is used to study the production of lightweight structural components or processes relating to the automation potential, economic feasibility and processing of fibre-reinforced composites and carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRPs), as well as hybrid materials.

Thermoplastic cell (TPZ)

The thermoplastic cell is used to examine the production of large quantities of thermoplastic components. Besides a temperature-resistant robot on a linear axis, the centrepiece of the system is a hot press with a pressing force of up to 4400 kilonewtons and a maximum heating temperature of 450 degrees Celsius.

Inline quality assurance cell (IQZ)

One area of focus is on the continuous control and real-time recording of system data during production. For this purpose, the ZLP in Augsburg relies on specialised sensor systems adapted to the process. The inline quality assurance cell uses high-precision robots and separately controllable climatic conditions in the development of measuring and testing tools for use in production.

Technology testing cell (TEZ)