Subtractive manufacturing of composite materials with robotic manipulators: a comprehensive review

摘要

Abstract Robotic manipulators play an innovative role as a new method for high-precision, large-scale manufacturing of composite components. However, machining composite materials with these systems presents unique challenges. Unlike traditional monolithic materials, composites exhibit complex behaviour and inconsistent results during machining. Additionally, robotic manipulator as a machine tool often associates with stiffness and vibration issues which adds another layer of complexity to this approach. By employing a comprehensive analysis and a combination of quantitative and qualitative review methodology, this review paper aims to survey diverse properties of composite materials by different categories and their interaction with machining processes. Subsequently, a survey of manufacturing techniques for composite machining following with a review in various modeling practices to capture material machining behaviour under a systematic framework is presented. Thereafter, the reviewed literature examines the errors inherent in robotic systems, alongside ongoing research efforts in modeling to characterise robot behaviour and enhance its performance. Afterward, the paper explores the application of data-driven modelling methods, with a primary focus on digital twins, in enabling real-time monitoring and process optimisation. Finally, this paper aims to identify the gap in this field and suggests the potential routes for future research and application as well as their challenges.