Abstract: Processe and system for preparing a vehicle surface (e.g., an aircraft fuselage) for painting include a preparation booth (100) which is sized and configured to house the vehicle (F). At least one robotic assembly (200a, 200b) is reciprocally movable within the preparation booth (100) relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle (F), and is provided with a robotic hand (230) having at least one abrasive disc (242a) attached to an attachment pad (242) of the robotic hand (230), and at least one nozzle (252a, 252b, 252c) for discharging a stream of rinse fluid. Operation of the at least one robotic assembly (230) will cause the at least one abrasive disc (242a) of the robot hand (230) to abrade the surface of the vehicle (F). The robotic hand (230) may thereafter be maneuvered so that the at least one nozzle (252a, 252b, 252c) is directed toward the abraded vehicle surface (F).

Abstract: Methods are provided by which a treatment fluid (e.g., a liquid corrosion inhibitor) may be applied onto the interior surfaces of an aircraft fuselage. The methods include (a) deploying an automated guided vehicle (AGV) comprising a carriage assembly and a robotic spray system carried by the carriage assembly within the interior of the fuselage, (b) closing the cabin door opening of the fuselage with the AGV positioned therewithin, and (c) operating the AGV so as to move within the fuselage along a longitudinal axis thereof to spray the treatment fluid onto the surfaces thereof.

Abstract: Processe and system for preparing a vehicle surface (e.g., an aircraft fuselage) for painting include a preparation booth (100) which is sized and configured to house the vehicle (F). At least one robotic assembly (200a, 200b) is reciprocally movable within the preparation booth (100) relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle (F), and is provided with a robotic hand (230) having at least one abrasive disc (242a) attached to an attachment pad (242) of the robotic hand (230), and at least one nozzle (252a, 252b, 252c) for discharging a stream of rinse fluid. Operation of the at least one robotic assembly (230) will cause the at least one abrasive disc (242a) of the robot hand (230) to abrade the surface of the vehicle (F). The robotic hand (230) may thereafter be maneuvered so that the at least one nozzle (252a, 252b, 252c) is directed toward the abraded vehicle surface (F).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided by which a treatment fluid (e.g., a liquid corrosion inhibitor) may be applied onto the interior surfaces of an aircraft fuselage which employ an automated guided vehicle (AGV) comprising a carriage assembly and a robotic spray system carried by the carriage assembly supported by a support platform positioned laterally of an aircraft fuselage in alignment with the cabin door opening thereof. The AGV may thus be deployable through the cabin door opening of the fuselage to a deployed position within the interior of the fuselage so as to be moveable along a longitudinal axis of the fuselage to allow the robotic spray assembly to spray the treatment fluid onto interior surfaces of the fuselage. A sealing door assembly located rearwardly of the AGV which is moveable relative to a door opening in the fuselage may also be provided so as to sealingly close the door opening of the fuselage when the AGV is deployed within the interior of the fuselage.