Flexible automation for UAS and sUAS assembly

From assembly of individual units to scalable high-volume production – with modular systems from FLEXYS.

Are you about to ramp up UAS/sUAS production? FLEXYS accelerates the transition from prototypes and manual small-series production to large-scale industrial production: flexibly, scalably and with assured quality.

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Scalable
from assembly of individual units to full automation

Modular and adaptable to different versions
making new models, sizes and designs possible

Poka-yoke quality assurance and traceability
of each component

Integrated end-of-line tests
are standardised, reproducible and documented

01

THE CHALLENGE

Successfully mastering production ramp-up in the UAS sector

Whether they produce FPV drones, loitering munitions or ISR sUAS, manufacturers are faced with the challenge of rapidly increasing their production numbers without compromising on reliability or quality. In the future, assembly, payload integration and incorporating command-and-control components must be efficient, reproducible and scalable. FLEXYS provides the perfect automation solutions to meet these challenges with ease.

02

THE ANSWER: FLEXYS PLATFORM

Commercialisation of complex assembly processes

Modularity
Retrofittable and replaceable for new models and versions, open interfaces (open architecture).

Scalability
From assembly of individual units to partial automation to industrial-scale production lines.

Quality assurance
Inline tests, edge computing-supported tests.

Time-to-ramp
Faster transition to high-volume production.

03

INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING SYSTEM

Lean, secure manufacturing processes and consistently high quality

Using methods such as Chaku-Chaku, SMED, and Poka Yoke, the manufacturing of ISR and VTOL platforms becomes process-safe, setup-time-efficient, and operator-friendly. This enables the assembly of mission-critical systems with maximum reliability and efficiency.

04

TYPICAL PROCESSES

FLEXYS covers all the key processes in UAS production

From the first component to the final test run, FLEXYS integrates all the central steps in UAS production into a flexible, consistent manufacturing system. The result is efficient procedures, reduction in errors, shorter throughput times and maximum quality.

MANUAL ASSEMBLY ASSIST
Human-in-the-loop ergonomic equipment, visual guidance for workers and ESD protection ensure smooth manual assembly

INSTALLING SCREWS
Automated screw installation processes including screw feed and torque control

INSTALLING RIVETS
Time-saving, reliable riveting systems for stable structural connections

SOLDERING
Reproducible soldering processes with temperature profile monitoring for electronics and avionics modules

GLUING
Precise application and curing for weight-bearing and functionally critical adhesive connections

CLAMPING
Quick, fail-safe locking of plastic components

CLINCHING
Force/displacement-monitored clinching for permanently load-bearing mechanical structural assembly, such as for airframe and fuselage

CLIPPING/LATCHING
Monitored clipping/latching for stable, flawless connections

WELDING
Laser and ultrasonic welding methods for robust, precise structures for lightweight construction and ruggedised components

MARKING
Laser marking for traceability and interoperability

PROGRAMMING
Automated reflashing and parametrisation of the controller/software

05

SCALING PATHS

From prototype to industrial-scale UAS production

Manual assembly
Work performed by humans, modular equipment, point-of-use supply

Partial automation
Human workers combined with robotic support

Full automation
Synchronised UAS assembly lines, automated flow of material, persistent production capability

06

IT/OT INTEGRATION

Open architecture for integration and interoperability

FLEXYS supports open systems architecture – compatible with common MES/ERP interfaces (OPC UA, REST). This allows production data from drone assembly, payload integration and command-and-control modules to be tracked at all times.

07

SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE

Ruggedised manufacturing for defence applications

Our systems meet CE and security standards, account for EW-contested environments and comply with ESD/EMC requirements. Our resilient processes ensure manufacturing quality while meeting the most demanding requirements.

FLEXYS

Automotive expertise – transferred to the UAS industry

FLEXYS is the flexible automation solution from PPS and combines decades of experience automating complex manufacturing processes in the automotive industry with the requirements in the defence and UAS industry: modularity, reliability, and scalability.

MAKE YOUR UAS PRODUCTION FIT FOR RAMP-UP

START YOUR PROJECT