WP1 R&D Mobility Fund | Advancing Workplace Sustainability: Collaboration during TUDelft visit to KLM
In a demonstration of innovation and cooperation, a team of engineers from TU Delft’s RoboHouse (RH) and 3mE visited KLM Engine Services on Wednesday, October 4th, to explore solutions for a machine-aided blending process. This collaboration within BrightSky aims at addressing the physical challenges faced by mechanics who blend fan blades, a strenuous and labour-intensive task. It therefore signifies a step in realizing one of BrightSky’s core visions – creating a socially sustainable work environment.
The visit was kicked off with a captivating tour of the engine shop, where the engineers gained valuable insight into the scale of operations and observed the intricate processes at lay. This experience gave a glimpse into the complexity of engine maintenance and how the machine-aided blending solution will have to fit into this.
A pivotal point in the gathering was the lively discussion held in the fan blade blending cell. The engineers and mechanics engaged in an extensive examination and display of the existing blending process versus the newly engineered solution. This dynamic exchange allowed both teams to benefit and learn from each other’s expertise and offer room for the exchange of valuable suggestions. One of KLM’s most experienced blending mechanics gave articulate explanations and hands-on demonstrations, which provided a comprehensive view of the intricacies of fan blade blending. His additional cooperation and openness about his experience with the demo robot gave a lot of appreciated insight to the TU Delft team.
What emerged from this productive session was a clear consensus: a mechanically aided, manually operated machine represents a more practical and efficient solution compared to a fully autonomous robot. In light of this, the decision was made to begin testing a mechanical solution using a slow-power tool, and subsequently, the feasibility of implementing a similar design with a robotic arm to assist the worker will be explored.
