Sanad, the aerospace engineering and leasing leader wholly owned by Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, has joined forces with Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Lufthansa Technik Middle East (LTME) to advance robotic arm technology in aviation. Recently, this collaborative team unveiled their innovative robotic arm at Lufthansa Technik’s headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, marking a major leap forward in aviation maintenance efficiency and technology.
This partnership between Sanad, Khalifa University’s Advanced Research and Innovation Center (ARIC), and LTME signifies a transformative step in integrating artificial intelligence within the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. Together, they’ve developed an automated chord measurement system, combining an industrial robotic arm with a laser profiler, and introducing AVIATAR and other advanced tech solutions to aviation maintenance. This breakthrough positions the UAE as a key player in aviation innovation.
The automated chord measurement system, a pioneering aerospace R&D project, was developed over 18 months by Sanad’s R&D team and Khalifa University’s ARIC, including contributions from 10 UAE National undergraduate students, a PhD researcher, three research engineers, and two faculty members. After rigorous testing at ARIC and Sanad, the system is ready to be integrated into MRO operations.
Following successful trials in the UAE, the robotic arm underwent additional analysis at Lufthansa Technik’s Hamburg headquarters to assess its potential in laser-based MRO applications. This milestone underscores the UAE’s growing influence in aviation technology and is set to transform aircraft maintenance, promising reduced turnaround times, enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and improved aircraft availability.
His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: “We are delighted that the results of our groundbreaking collaboration with SANAD and Lufthansa Technik Middle East have spearheaded the development of a transformative automated chord measurement system to reduce errors due to human reliance, increase precision by a factor of ten, and overall efficiency in components repair turnaround time by 35%. With the robotic arm now headed to Germany for further testing, this partnership demonstrates the immense potential for academic-industry breakthroughs to drive innovation and efficiency in the MRO sector. By involving and enabling our faculty and students to contribute to this cutting-edge technology, we are not only preparing local talent for successful careers, but further positioning the UAE as a global nexus for aviation excellence. This is also a testament that Khalifa University has the ability to translate its research and innovation to market and have a local and global impact.”
Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, said: “This collaboration epitomizes the pivotal role of academia-industry partnerships in driving Sanad’s innovations strategy, and we are confident about scaling up these collaborations. Our partnership with Khalifa University and Lufthansa Technik Middle East marks a significant stride towards setting new standards in aircraft maintenance. By harnessing the power of innovative technologies, we are driving efficiency and cost savings, ultimately benefiting the aviation sector globally.”
Ziad Al-Hazmi, CEO of Lufthansa Technik Middle East said: “Our collaboration with SANAD and Khalifa University is a testament to the expertise and capabilities of the teams involved. It not only positions the UAE as a leader in digital transformation in the MRO industry and signifies the government’s commitment to digital awareness, but also shows the impact of successful collaboration in the aviation sector.”
This collaboration showcases the UAE’s advancing research and development prowess, tackling global aviation challenges and opportunities. Its goal is to transform MRO processes, bolstering the UAE’s standing as a technological frontrunner in aviation. The successful development of this innovative technology underscores the UAE’s dedication to leading global aviation. Furthermore, the collaboration emphasizes a commitment to education empowerment, providing student career growth opportunities at Lufthansa Technik and Sanad. These initiatives will enhance collaboration among MROs, universities, and governments, solidifying the UAE’s reputation as an innovation and technology hub.