Boeing testing new 777 fuselage production process

The developmental FAUB robot production in action at Boeing's Anacortes Facility. (Boeing) — The developmental FAUB robot production in action at Boeing’s Anacortes Facility. (Boeing)

Boeing says it is in the final phases of testing and production readiness of a new method for building 777 fuselages.

Dubbed ‘Fuselage Automated Upright Build’ (FAUB), the technology has been designed to improve workplace safety and increases product quality and has been in development since 2012.

Using FAUB, fuselage sections will be built using robots that will fasten the panels of the fuselage together, drilling and filling the more than approximately 60,000 fasteners that are today installed by hand.

“This is the first time such technology will be used by Boeing to manufacture widebody commercial aircraft and the 777 program is leading the way,” Boeing’s vice president and general manager, 777 program and Everett site, Elizabeth Lund said in a statement. “We’re excited to continue improving the production process here and we’re positioning ourselves to begin building 777X aircraft in the future.”

The robotic system has been designed for Boeing by KUKA Systems.