Sanad, Khalifa University, and Lufthansa Technik Showcase Robotic Arm Tech

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions leader owned by Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, Lufthansa Technik Middle East (LTME), and Khalifa University of Science and Technology have achieved a significant milestone in the aviation sector with the successful demonstration of their innovative robotic arm technology. The demonstration took place at Lufthansa Technik’s headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, highlighting the collaboration’s potential to enhance efficiency and foster technological advancements in aviation maintenance.

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The partnership between Lufthansa Technik Middle East, Sanad, and Khalifa University’s Advanced Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) underscores a key development in the integration of artificial intelligence within the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) industry. Together, they created a groundbreaking automated chord measurement system that combines a robotic arm with a laser profiler. This system uses cutting-edge technologies like AVIATAR to improve the accuracy and efficiency of MRO processes. The resulting innovation positions the UAE as a key player in advancing aviation technology.

The automated chord measurement system, which was developed over 18 months, is the first-of-its-kind aerospace R&D initiative successfully tested in the UAE. It was the result of collaborative efforts between the Sanad R&D team and Khalifa University's ARIC, involving 10 UAE National undergraduate students, a PhD researcher, three research engineers, and two faculty members. After rigorous testing at both the ARIC center and Sanad’s facilities, the system was perfected and is now ready for operational use within MRO procedures at Sanad.

Following successful trials in the UAE, the robotic arm technology underwent further evaluation at Lufthansa Technik’s Hamburg headquarters, where it was analyzed for its potential use in laser-based analysis within the MRO sector. The results underscore the UAE’s leadership role in the innovation of aviation technology and its ability to drive industry advancements globally. This new technology is set to revolutionize aircraft maintenance, cutting repair turnaround time, increasing efficiency, and resulting in significant cost savings while maximizing aircraft availability.

Ziad Al-Hazmi, CEO of Lufthansa Technik Middle East, commented on the successful collaboration: “Our partnership with Sanad and Khalifa University is a testament to the expertise and capabilities of all teams involved. It positions the UAE as a leader in digital transformation within the MRO industry and reflects the government’s commitment to digital awareness. It also demonstrates the impact of successful collaborations in the aviation sector.”

Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, expressed confidence in the future of the partnership: “This collaboration is a clear example of how academia-industry partnerships are driving Sanad’s innovation strategy. By leveraging new technologies, we’re enhancing efficiency and creating cost savings that will benefit the aviation sector on a global scale. We’re looking forward to scaling up these collaborations in the future.”

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, added: “We are proud of the role our university has played in this groundbreaking collaboration. The development of this automated chord measurement system not only improves precision and efficiency in MRO processes but also highlights Khalifa University’s ability to drive meaningful innovation in the UAE and beyond. By involving our students and faculty in this cutting-edge technology, we are helping prepare them for successful careers while positioning the UAE as a global leader in aviation excellence.”

This collaboration is more than a technological achievement; it reflects the UAE’s commitment to research and development, aiming to tackle global challenges in aviation. The initiative seeks to transform MRO processes, boosting the UAE’s reputation as a technological hub and a leader in aviation. It also highlights the importance of student career growth opportunities and education empowerment, which are integral parts of the collaboration between universities, MROs, and government entities. The success of this project not only serves as an example of the UAE’s innovative capabilities but also solidifies its position as a global center for technological advancement in aviation.