European planemaker Airbus says a new automated assembly line featuring 20 robots will improve both the quality and efficiency of its A320 family production process. The automated structure assembly line in Hamburg has a special focus on manufacturing longer sections for its narrow-body long-haul contender, the A321LR. Complementing the robots is a new logistics concept, automated positioning by laser measurement as well as a digital data acquisition system. READ: Leading analyst suggests Boeing will launch 797. The European manufacturer says it is part of its drive to improve both quality and efficiency while boosting the level of digitalization to its industrial production system. “By embracing some of the latest technologies and processes, Airbus has begun its journey to set new standards in A320 Family production,’’ said Airbus chief operating officer Michael Schoellhorn. “This new fuselage structure assembly line is an essential enabler for the A320 Family ramp-up. “Increasing the level of automation and robotics enables faster, more efficient manufacturing while keeping our prime focus on quality.” The Hamburg structure assembly facility is responsible for joining single fuselage shells into sections, as well as final assembly of single sections to aircraft fuselages. Electrical and mechanical systems are added before the sections are delivered to the final assembly lines in France, Germany, China and the US. Airbus says it using a modular, lightweight automated system for the initial section assembly. This involves eight robots drilling and counter-sinking 1,100 to 2,400 holes per longitudinal joint. In the next production step, 12 robots, each operating on seven axes, combine the center and aft fuselage sections with the tail to form one major component, drilling, counter-sinking, sealing and inserting 3,000 rivets per orbital joint. In addition to the robots, Airbus says it is also implementing new methods and technologies in material and parts logistics to optimize production, improve ergonomics and shorten lead times.