Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a composite laminate. The apparatus comprises a mandrel having a surface on which the composite laminate can be formed. The apparatus further comprises an application surface and a conveyor configured to move a composite material piece that has been cut to a desired shape to the application surface. The apparatus also comprises an actuating mechanism for, when actuated, lifting the application surface upward towards the mandrel to apply the composite material piece to the surface of the mandrel to form at least a portion of the composite laminate on the surface of the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a composite laminate. The apparatus comprises a mandrel having a surface on which the composite laminate can be formed. The apparatus further comprises an application surface and a conveyor configured to move a composite material piece that has been cut to a desired shape to the application surface. The apparatus also comprises an actuating mechanism for, when actuated, lifting the application surface upward towards the mandrel to apply the composite material piece to the surface of the mandrel to form at least a portion of the composite laminate on the surface of the mandrel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancing picking and placement of plies of material. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes an end effector of a robot. The end effector includes a frame, and cup assemblies that are attached to the frame. The cup assemblies each include a shaft and a head. The end effector also includes Bernoulli cups attached to the heads of the cup assemblies, and grippers attached to heads of the cup assemblies.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancing picking and placement of plies of material. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes an end effector of a robot. The end effector includes a frame, and cup assemblies that are attached to the frame. The cup assemblies each include a shaft and a head. The end effector also includes Bernoulli cups attached to the heads of the cup assemblies, and grippers attached to heads of the cup assemblies.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for carrying plies of material. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes an end effector of a robot. The apparatus includes a frame, and a fixed cup assembly that is attached to the frame. The fixed cup assembly includes a suction cup for holding a ply, a pneumatic line, and a shaft that is coupled with the suction cup and that houses the pneumatic line, the shaft enabling the suction cup to translate vertically. The apparatus also includes floating cup assemblies. Each floating cup assembly includes a Bernoulli cup, a pneumatic line applying positively pressurized gas to the Bernoulli cup, a shaft that is coupled with the Bernoulli cup and that houses the pneumatic line, the shaft enabling the Bernoulli cup to translate vertically, and a bearing that enables the Bernoulli cup to pivot about an end of the shaft to conform with a surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for carrying plies of material. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes an end effector of a robot. The apparatus includes a frame, and a fixed cup assembly that is attached to the frame. The fixed cup assembly includes a suction cup for holding a ply, a pneumatic line, and a shaft that is coupled with the suction cup and that houses the pneumatic line, the shaft enabling the suction cup to translate vertically. The apparatus also includes floating cup assemblies. Each floating cup assembly includes a Bernoulli cup, a pneumatic line applying positively pressurized gas to the Bernoulli cup, a shaft that is coupled with the Bernoulli cup and that houses the pneumatic line, the shaft enabling the Bernoulli cup to translate vertically, and a bearing that enables the Bernoulli cup to pivot about an end of the shaft to conform with a surface.