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Robotics is becoming a major field that's affecting a lot of different industries. Aerospace is no exception, as robots are becoming widely used in the aerospace industry for everything from inspection and maintenance to flight testing.

In a way, aerospace robotics is a natural evolution of the aerospace industry. Both the aerospace and robotics fields are relatively new, and they are both constantly evolving. With more advanced technology, the possibilities for robotic aircraft and spacecraft become greater.

Below, we'll take a deep dive into what exactly aerospace robotics is, how it's benefitting the industry, and how you can become a part of it.

What Exactly Is Aerospace Robotics?

Aerospace robotics is the use of robots or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to automate various tasks in the aerospace industry such as maintenance, inspection, flight testing and more. UAVs are controlled either by an operator on the ground or remotely through a computer system.

Robots can be used for many different purposes in the aerospace industry, some of which include:

-Inspection and maintenance of aircrafts or spacecrafts.

-Flight testing of new aircraft prototypes.

-Surveying or mapping remote areas for military use.

-Disaster relief missions in areas with difficult terrain or hazardous conditions.

-Search and rescue operations.

-Air traffic control.

Benefits of Aerospace Robotics

Robotics has a lot to offer the aerospace industry in terms of efficiency, safety, and cost savings. By automating certain tasks, robots can reduce the number of human workers needed while also improving accuracy and productivity. Additionally, by decreasing the need for human workers in hazardous or dangerous tasks, robots can help reduce risk to personnel.

The use of robotics also offers cost savings for aerospace companies. For example, UAVs are much cheaper than traditional aircraft and can be used for various tasks without the same risks associated with manned aircraft.

Finally, robotics technology is constantly improving which means that it can be used for more varied and complex tasks. For example, UAVs are now able to fly longer distances and carry heavier payloads than ever before.

The Different Types of Robots Used in Aerospace

There are a variety of different robots used in the aerospace industry. Some of the most common types include:

-Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (AAVs): Also known as drones, these robots are able to fly autonomously, meaning they can fly and navigate without any human intervention. AAVs are used for surveillance, mapping, search and rescue missions, and more.

-Inspection Robots: These robots are used to inspect and maintain aerospace vehicles, both on the ground and in flight. They can detect problems with parts or machinery and help keep aircrafts running smoothly.

-Ground Robots: Ground robots are used for a variety of tasks such as inspecting runways, maintaining aircraft hangers, and transporting parts and equipment.

-Flight Test Robots: Flight test robots are used to conduct tests on new aircraft prototypes to ensure the safety and reliability of the design before it is released for commercial use.

Robotics in Aerospace Manufacturing

Robotics is also becoming increasingly popular in the aerospace manufacturing industry. Robots are used for a variety of tasks such as welding and assembly, as well as painting and finishing aircrafts. Robotics is especially useful in the aerospace industry because it can help improve accuracy and reduce costs associated with production.

Additionally, robots are often used in quality control and testing of aerospace components. By using robots to perform repetitive tasks, manufacturers can ensure that every part meets the highest standards of quality without requiring manual labor.

How to Become a Part of Aerospace Robotics

If you're interested in becoming part of the robotics revolution in the aerospace industry, there are several ways you can get involved.

First, you can pursue a career as a Robotics Specialist or Robotics Engineer. In those roles, you'll be responsible for designing robots and writing the code that allows them to function properly. Additionally, there are many companies that provide consultation services on how to best use robotics in aerospace applications.

Regardless of which route you choose, having a strong background in engineering, computer programming, and robotics is essential for success. Additionally, it helps to have experience working with aerospace components or systems.

Let RoboticsCareer.org Help You Find Robotics Training

The hardest part of any robotics journey is figuring out where to get started, and RoboticsCareer.org is here to help you solve that exact problem.

Our search tool, accessible at the top of the home page, sifts and searches through a database of thousands of robotics training programs from all around the country. This allows you to find exactly the program that you're looking for before you even know you're looking for it.

For instance, you can search for "aerospace" and come up with hundreds of results all over the map. From there, you can apply filters to search by city, state, program format, and credentials earned. That means that no matter what your circumstances are, whether you're a full time worker with a family, or you're ready to jump feet first into a fully loaded course schedule, you'll be able to find a program that works for you.

And you don't have to just search for aerospace programs, either. As we mentioned above, just studying robotics and/or engineering in general can be a great foundation for a career in aerospace robotics.

One thing that aerospace and robotics, and of course aerospace robotics, all have in common is that they're wide open fields at the edge of technology, and it's going to take people with the imagination and the drive to push that edge into the future. If you're one of those people, then the best thing you can do right now is take that first step toward the education that will get you there.