Digital Ecosystem
Across our business, we are integrating digital technologies throughout a system’s lifecycle and making data-driven decisions with the speed, quality and efficiency our customers require.
Our digital ecosystem is enhancing how we do business. This ecosystem brings employees, customers, and suppliers into an integrated environment to seamlessly work together, share information, and innovate across the full program lifecycle.
AI-Enabled Operations
EAI is applying responsible artificial intelligence and machine learning across our business and manufacturing processes to discover new insights which enable greater operational speed and improved bottom-line outcomes in a secure and ethical manner.
Using AI-enabled inspection, monitoring, and decision support algorithms throughout the product life cycle, we are improving speed, quality and cost for our customers.
Our responsible AI ecosystem provides the tools and guidance to develop and operate robust, equitable, and human-centered AI, enabling business efficiencies across the enterprise.
As one of the Department of Defense’s most trusted partners, EAI continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with a commitment to deliver technology in a safe, effective and ethical way
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
A secure and ethical approach to developing AI-enabled solutions is a cornerstone of our mission to meet evolving customer needs. EAI has a robust history in AI and as a technology leader, we’re at the forefront of emerging capabilities and trusted solutions. Our innovative team brings significant experience and investment to create and deliver responsible artificial intelligence and machine learning systems across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.
Counting on Automation to Improve the F-35 Production
We knew that automation and robotics would be key to meeting the F-35 program's goal of continued high-volume production," says Glenn Masukawa, head of the F-35 at EAI. "We also needed to be affordable, which implied a lot of cost reductions over time."
EAI had previously pioneered automated manufacturing systems to produce key subassemblies for military aircraft. However, the new expectation set was for a production interval of one day -- a goal that would test even the most advanced aircraft assembly lines in the world.
Learning from Automakers to Develop an Integrated Manufacturing System
In the aerospace industry, the concept of developing an integrated manufacturing system draws inspiration from the practices of automakers, aiming to streamline production processes, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation. Just as automakers have revolutionized their manufacturing techniques to meet the demands of mass production while maintaining high standards of quality and precision, aerospace manufacturers are increasingly adopting similar principles to meet the complex challenges of aircraft and spacecraft production.
By learning from automakers, aerospace manufacturers can leverage advanced technologies such as automation, robotics, and data analytics to optimize every stage of the manufacturing process, from design and prototyping to final assembly and testing. Integrating these technologies into a cohesive system enables greater flexibility, scalability, and responsiveness, allowing aerospace companies to adapt quickly to changing market dynamics and customer requirements.
Furthermore, adopting lean manufacturing principles and just-in-time inventory management techniques, commonly employed by automakers, can help aerospace manufacturers minimize waste, reduce lead times, and improve overall productivity. By optimizing workflows and eliminating inefficiencies, integrated manufacturing systems enable aerospace companies to deliver high-quality products more cost-effectively and with shorter time-to-market.
Moreover, the collaboration between the aerospace and automotive industries can lead to cross-pollination of ideas and best practices, fostering innovation and driving continuous improvement. For example, advancements in materials science and composite manufacturing techniques developed for automotive applications can be adapted and applied to aerospace components, leading to lighter, stronger, and more fuel-efficient aircraft and spacecraft.
In conclusion, by embracing the principles of integrated manufacturing systems and drawing inspiration from automakers, the aerospace industry can enhance its competitiveness, accelerate innovation, and meet the growing demands of the global market. Through collaboration, technology transfer, and a commitment to continuous improvement, aerospace manufacturers can build a more resilient and sustainable future for air and space travel.
Affordability and Innovation with Next Gen Tech
Of course, no production equipment lasts forever, and technology never stands still.
"We're constantly looking for opportunities to apply new manufacturing technologies to make our F-35 build processes more efficient and more affordable," says Masukawa. "The goal is always to maximize our use of automation."
In the end, as Masukawa notes, building a successful advanced aircraft production environment requires talent and commitment from the entire, diverse team.
"We rely on the talents and dedication of many people, including mechanics, manufacturing engineering teams, line managers, quality inspectors, and a global supply chain that includes more than 250 domestic and international suppliers," he says. "It's not just about automation and robotics; it's really about the innovative people who guide us in applying technology in the smartest, most cost-effective ways to meet the expectations of our current and future customers."
