Feeding and Handling Systems for the Aerospace & Defence Industry

The aerospace and defence industry demands the highest levels of precision, traceability, and reliability. Components are often safety-critical, produced in low-to-medium volumes across high-mix part families, and must meet stringent regulatory and quality standards.

RNA Automation delivers advanced feeding and handling solutions, combined with robotics and vision systems, to support the production and assembly of mission-critical components. From high-strength fasteners and rivets to avionics sub-components and structural parts, our systems ensure accurate part presentation, controlled handling, and seamless integration into assembly and inspection processes.

By focusing on eliminating human error, maintaining part integrity, and optimising performance in high-mix environments, RNA technology enables manufacturers to improve efficiency, reduce variability, and achieve consistent, fully compliant production across complex aerospace and defence applications.

• Advanced Feeding and Handling Technologies Feeding and handling technologies — including vibratory bowl feeders, centrifugal feeders, step feeders, linear systems, and flexible vision-guided feeders — are critical to aerospace and defence automation. Our systems are custom-engineered to sort, orient, and present highly varied component families: aerospace fasteners, locking inserts, O-rings, electrical connectors, pins, clips, and sub-assemblies requiring zero-defect presentation. By delivering precise, high-speed part presentation, these systems eliminate manual handling risk and reduce FOD (Foreign Object Debris/Damage) exposure on the assembly floor. → Learn more about RNA feeding and handling systems
• The Role of Robotics in Aerospace & Defence Manufacturing Both prime contractors and tier-1/tier-2 suppliers leverage robotics and machine vision for tasks including fastener installation, clipping, sealing, torque verification, NDT (non-destructive testing) positioning, and final inspection. RNA integrates collaborative and industrial robots with our feeding systems to deliver complete automated work cells. The advantage of this approach is scalability: systems can be reconfigured for new part numbers with minimal changeover time, making them suitable for the mixed-model, low-volume-high-variety runs characteristic of aerospace and defence production. → Learn more about RNA robotic systems
• Flexible Feeders for High-Mix, Low-Volume Production Aerospace and defence sector often demands the handling of hundreds of distinct part numbers in a single cell. RNA’s FlexType™ series flexible feeders use 3D vision and machine learning to identify and correctly orient any part presented to them, eliminating the need for dedicated tooling per component. This allows for rapid changeovers between different part variants, supporting low-volume, high-mix production common in the aerospace and defence sector. → Learn more about RNA FlexType™ flexible feeders
• Component Assembly Machines for Precision Sub-Assemblies RNA Automation designs and builds component assembly machines for high-precision sub-assemblies used in aerospace and defence applications, combining accurate feeding and controlled assembly processes. From fastening and insertion operations to multi-step sub-assembly of mechanical and electronic parts, each machine is engineered to maintain tight tolerances, consistent positioning, and full process control. Integration with vision systems and in-line verification ensures correct assembly at every stage, while modular designs allow flexibility for low-to-medium volume, high-mix production environments. → Learn more about RNA component assembly machines
• Poka-Yoke (Error Proofing) Poka-yoke systems are implemented to prevent assembly errors and ensure process reliability in aerospace and defence manufacturing. RNA integrates sensors, vision systems, and interlocks to verify correct part presence, orientation, and sequence, preventing incorrect assembly before it occurs. This approach reduces defects, supports full traceability, and ensures consistent compliance with stringent quality standards.
• Vision Inspection and Quality AssuranceQuality assurance is fundamental in aerospace and defence manufacturing. RNA integrates advanced inspection technologies to ensure every component meets exact specifications. Our systems perform dimensional and surface verification, along with presence and orientation checks to prevent assembly errors. Real-time defect detection enables continuous quality control throughout the production process, supported by 100% in-line inspection capability.
• Digital Engineering & Simulation Utilising RNA Digital, we use advanced simulation and AI tools to model part handling outcomes and optimise system designs before physical deployment, reducing development time and ensuring performance reliability. → Learn more about RNA digital solutions