Aim: To Put Innovation into Practice and Create A Competitive Edge in the Advanced Industries
Aim: To Put Innovation into Practice and Create A Competitive Edge in the Advanced Industries
Welding has long been the primary method for repair of gas turbine blades in the aerospace industry, but the process is tedious and time-consuming, and requires a skilled operator for high-quality outcomes. To overcome these limitations, this project aims to develop an alternative repair process for gas turbine blades based on Selective Laser Melting (SLM). In this process, the original shape of the damaged turbine blade is restored via hybrid additive manufacturing, which allows for multiple parts to be processed in a single step with high precision, thus offering competitive advantages over conventional repair processes for metallic components.
Graphene nanocomposites in chemical gas barrier applications have attracted attention because of their unique structure, excellent barrier properties and ease of processing. The primary objective of this project is to develop an effective 2D material-based coating for preventing hydrogen leakage in filament-wound microfiber reinforced composite pressure vessels. To this end, fundamental issues such as nanofiller agglomeration and alignment are being addressed, while offering practical solutions for applying 2D material-based coatings on existing pressure vessels.
The automation of cyber-physical manufacturing processes through industrial robots is a critical aspect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Robots have the potential to boost production volume while guaranteeing higher levels of precision and safety. With the UAE aiming to become a global hub in 4IR technology with initiatives such as the ‘4IR strategy’ and ‘Operation AED 300 billion’, the Advanced Research & Innovation Center (ARIC) of Khalifa University has been actively developing robotic solutions for the national manufacturing industry. Through collaboration with STRATA Manufacturing and Mubadala Aerospace, the center has developed the first robot of its kind capable of fully automating drilling processes in Aeroplane structure. The robot features an arrayof sensing technologies and AI algorithms that enable it to autonomously navigate across the factory then perform the required tasks within aerospace-grade tolerances. The center is currently expanding its robotic manufacturing activities through the development of the second generation of this robot, which extend the capabilities of the first generation to automate full production lines with different functions such as: deburring, painting, and inspection. The new generation is planned to be put in action by the end of 2023 upon undergoing a qualification process by top aerospace companies.
There are hundreds of thousands of daily flights worldwide, and such frequent services make human commutation easier. In order for aerospace companies to keep up with the demands of airlines and comply with extreme safety standards, the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector needs to deliver its services on time and with zero tolerance for any fault. The airplane engines are the latter's heart, keeping it going from take-off to landing. This critical part of the airplane undergoes a lot of inspection and maintenance operations to qualify for commuting humans. However, such time-consuming procedures are still performed manually, making them prone to human error. Such errors cause a lot of downtime in production and service delivery, delay many flights worldwide, cause a lot of financial losses, and, if not lucky, life losses. The Advanced Research & Innovation Center (ARIC) of Khalifa University in collaboration with Sanad Aerotech, a Mubadala Company, is developing specialized automation solutions for the aerospace MRO sector. These automation solutions include aero-engine blade sorting and inspection platforms. These projects utilize advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, and robotic systems to deliver top-tier performance and precision for each operation. As a result, these intelligent platforms provide more efficient and error-free solutions that comply with the aerospace industry standard
The project aims to automate cyber-physical manufacturing processes as part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) by developing advanced robotic solutions for the national aerospace manufacturing industry in the UAE. The project's main focus is on creating intelligent robots with human-like learning capabilities that can adapt to multiple tasks without the need for extensive human intervention. To achieve this, the research proposes a "Modular Neuromorphic Multi-sensor System" that combines tactile sensing and machine vision in a single modular package, allowing industrial robots to perform various manufacturing tasks accurately and efficiently. The system also includes intelligent perception, control, and decision-making software tools to enable users to customize their robotic manufacturing systems easily and adapt to changing factory requirements.
The project aims to design a novel compliant knee exoskeleton for stroke survivors with ambulatory challenges. The exoskeleton utilizes variable stiffness actuators (VSAs) to mimic the natural stiffness changes in the knee joint during different activities, enhancing comfort and safety during rehabilitation. The motivation is to provide a more effective and adaptable rehabilitation tool that can assist stroke patients in achieving optimal gait trajectories and independent ambulatory function, while also mitigating the risks associated with rigid actuators in patients with neurological disorders like tremor or spasticity. The study also incorporates advanced control methods and intelligent sensing interfaces to tailor the assistance to individual patients' needs, making the rehabilitation process more precise and efficient.
The Light-G-Comp project aims to address the adverse effects of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions by developing lightweight composite structures made from upcycled waste materials, particularly graphene-based substances. The project focuses on creating recyclable and sustainable thermoplastic composites with multi-scale reinforcements to improve fuel efficiency and part performance in aerospace, automotive, and plastic sectors. By implementing eco-design and a circular economy approach, the project aims to achieve at least a 20% reduction in weight and cost while significantly reducing CO2 emissions.