https://bit.ly/3LWzVPj - 🤖 The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), in collaboration with The Ohio State University (OSU) and industry partners CapSen Robotics and Yaskawa Motoman, has successfully demonstrated an AI-driven autonomous robotic system, AI-FORGE, designed to enhance the manufacturing capabilities of the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The system is primed to bring transformative changes to metamorphic manufacturing or robotic blacksmithing. #AFRL #AI #ManufacturingInnovation #RoboticBlacksmithing ✈️ AI-FORGE employs incremental forming, a heat-assisted metalworking process, enabling the manufacture of small batches of custom parts for military aircraft. Its AI capabilities allow it to make crucial forming decisions independently, thus optimizing cost and time, and enhancing the ability to replace hard-to-find aircraft structural parts. #AerospaceEngineering #AIinManufacturing 💰 The project received $500,000 in funding from the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute and $150,000 in post-doctoral research support from AFRL’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate. It also included contributions from CapSen Robotics and Yaskawa Motoman, who provided key software and hardware components respectively. #Funding #ResearchSupport 🔬 The system underwent rigorous testing at the Warner-Robins Air Logistics Complex (WR-ALC) under challenging conditions, operating autonomously for approximately six hours without human intervention. The demonstration confirmed the system's potential to operate effectively in a depot environment. #AIinAction #FieldTest ⚙️ AI-FORGE’s operation is akin to a human metalworker using heat and pressure to forge replacement parts. The AI in this context helps automate specific portions of the forging process, from positioning and deforming a part to create desired formations. #AIAutomation #Metallurgy 🔧 The project’s next phase aims to develop a more advanced system that allows users to control the inner microstructure of the parts, especially those initially manufactured additively. This local control could transform tech development, enabling new designs and innovative material usage. #MaterialScience #FutureofManufacturing 👨⚕️ Looking ahead, the application of this technology could extend beyond aerospace. Artificially intelligent incremental forming methods could be used in the creation of personalized medical devices, such as metal implants, offering improvements in accuracy and customization. #AIinMedicine #HealthTech 🤝 The project stands as a testament to successful partnerships between AFRL, academia, industry, the ARM Institute, and the depot, highlighting the potential of collaborative efforts in bringing transformative changes in technology. #Partnerships #Collaboration 🚀 AFRL remains committed to supporting the warfighter, adapting to changes, and continually advancing its mission through innovative technologies like AI-FORGE.
