Cranfield University Uses Panther for Aircraft Inspection in Hangars
Aircraft inspection is a complex task that demands high precision. These inspections often involve detecting subtle defects in aircraft components, such as cracks or dents.
There is a steady increase in the use of robots for aircraft testing, driven by their cost-effectiveness and the ability to reduce the error associated with manual inspections. However, the broader adoption of robotic systems has faced challenges, particularly the difficulty of accurately positioning robots within the complex environments of aircraft hangars, which lack GPS signals. Yet, accurate localisation is crucial for maintaining aircraft through meticulous and precise inspections.
Two students’ research projects at the Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre at Cranfield University focus on enhancing the precision of robotic localisation in such conditions using two innovative methods, with the Husarion Panther UGV platform.
