Mark Ennis

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Mark Ennis is a leading researcher in aerospace manufacturing automation, with a primary focus on robotic orbital drilling for structural assembly. His seminal 2002 paper, "Robotic Orbital Drilling of Structures for Aerospace Applications," has garnered 33 citations and remains a foundational reference in the field. Ennis’s major contribution lies in demonstrating how standard industrial robots can be adapted for high-precision orbital drilling—a critical process for aircraft assembly—thereby reducing costs and increasing flexibility compared to traditional CNC machines. His work was part of the EU-funded ADFAST project, which aimed to advance drilling and fastening technologies for the aerospace industry. Ennis’s research addresses the inherent challenges of robot stiffness and accuracy, offering solutions that have influenced subsequent automation strategies in aircraft manufacturing. His findings have practical implications for improving production efficiency and quality in sectors requiring meticulous hole-making, such as aerospace and automotive. For students and researchers, Ennis’s work exemplifies how robotic systems can bridge the gap between flexibility and precision in industrial applications.