Ujigami

The aerospace manufacturing industry stands at the intersection of innovation and tradition. While it is propelled forward by cutting-edge technologies, more often than not, it faces a pushback by resource challenges rooted in traditional practices.

The methods may have proved effective in the past, but in the modern times, they are not optimized to meet demands such as cost-effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and an aging workforce. That’s where novel technologies such as digitalization and automation has been at the forefront in helping the industry tackle these challenges.

An innovative system poised to transform the landscape of aerospace manufacturing, Ujigami has emerged as one of the frontrunners in the industry.

“Aerospace manufacturing has always been controlled by seasoned professionals possessing decades of experience guiding crucial processes. Unfortunately, this reliance on human expertise has its drawbacks, particularly as the industry faces a wave of retirements, resulting in a significant loss of institutional knowledge,” says Edward Dickson, the president of Ujigami. “Ujigami offers its groundbreaking capability to capture, codify, and deploy manufacturing knowledge into an intelligent system.”

One of the primary pain points in aerospace manufacturing has been the prevalence of defects and quality control issues, as highlighted by recent incidents such as the Boeing mishaps. Ujigami addresses this challenge head-on by delivering a zerodefect manufacturing environment driven by the digitization of workflows and deployment of connected AI-enabled tools. By implementing the company’s advanced technical mistake-proofing capabilities, aerospace manufacturers can ensure active oversight and control of every step of the production process, thereby mitigating the risk of catastrophic failures.

Central to Ujigami’s approach is the shift from behavioral to technical controls, where every aspect of manufacturing is meticulously coordinated, monitored, controlled and verified. Gone are the days of heavy reliance upon human attention and skill; instead, it empowers manufacturers with real-time insights and automatic corrective actions, significantly reducing the likelihood of errors occurring and eliminating mistakes from escaping the manufacturing process.

Ujigami’s advanced AI capabilities extend beyond mere data analysis to encompass vision-based inspection systems. This enables the system with real-time detection of deviations from specifications and visual verification of the integrity of each component. From ensuring the presence of every rivet and properly secured fasteners to verifying color consistency, Ujigami leaves no stone unturned in its quest for perfection. Ujigami maximizes the performance of all available devices and equipment.

The company’s versatility allows it to adapt seamlessly to existing manufacturing processes, minimizing the need for extensive reprogramming. By bridging the gap between seasoned professionals and new recruits, Ujigami ensures continuity in manufacturing excellence, regardless of workforce turnover.

In one instance, Ujigami assisted an aerospace engine manufacturer with efficiency, quality, and traceability. The challenge was clear: traditional manufacturing processes were rife with inefficiencies, redundant inspections, and the potential for errors that could have catastrophic consequences. Recognizing the need for a transformative solution, the company turned to Ujigami to streamline its operations and enhance its quality control measures.

The implementation of Ujigami’s innovative system began with the integration of connected devices across the manufacturing floor. Torque tools, presses, and scanning devices were seamlessly integrated into the production line, ensuring that each component was automatically verified during its assembly process to exceed specifications. The results were nothing short of remarkable. By leveraging Ujigami’s technology, the aerospace engine manufacturer witnessed a two times increase in productivity and a dramatic reduction in defect rates. With redundant inspections eliminated and errors minimized, the company’s operations became more streamlined and efficient than ever before.

As the industry navigates an increasingly complex landscape, Ujigami stands as a testament to innovation, offering a glimpse into a future where defects are a relic of the past, and quality reigns supreme. With Ujigami leading the charge, the aerospace industry is poised to soar to new heights.