AI@FiberPlacement | Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) for the digital transformation

Due to the large share of automation in these process technologies, the use of sensors and control actuators is unavoidable. In addition, there is the complete plant periphery and its influence on the process chain (ambient conditions, laying tools, etc.). Some of the resulting data is already collected and stored locally. This applies to the plant data (speeds, outputs, etc.) and the ambient conditions. Automatic further processing and the integration of the complete plant periphery is currently not widespread, but holds great potential for the holistic optimization of these manufacturing technologies and is thus the basis for the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The subproject »AI@FiberPlacement« focuses on tapping the potential of AI within the robot-based and material-efficient fiber placement overall process chain. For this purpose, corresponding hardware requirements must be created in the area of plant and control technology as well as in the area of online process monitoring and the construction of new system architecture.

As a first step, the Coriolis Composites C1 system procured in the calendar year 2010 will therefore be completely replaced by a system of the latest generation. In addition, the course will be set for networking and digitizing the individual process steps (component design, manufacturing engineering, production, etc.) to create a digital component and plant twin.

New optimization areas are identified by merging the cross-process data and transferring it between the individual steps. This already starts with the component design, which directly influences the laying path planning and component architecture. Only by including all process and plant characteristics in the design a component design suitable for production can be created.