In the race to automation, there are some things that robots can't do as well as humans. After years of trial and error, Boeing has found this to be true in the construction of its 777X jetliners.

The company had been using robots to build two main fuselage sections for the planes. The robots were working in tandem to drill holes precisely and fasten together metal panels held upright to create the outer frame of the hulking twin-engine jets. However, the robots were not as precise or reliable as needed.

The purpose of robots was to take the place of human mechanics who used hand-held tools to put 60,000 rivets into each airplane. Boeing struggled to keep the robots moving in sync on the outside and inside of the fuselage panels, which created production snarls and extra work for human employees.

Boeing has now switched to using skilled mechanics to manually insert fasteners into holes drilled along the circumference of the fuselage by an automated system. This new method is more reliable and requires less work by hand.

While Tesla also famously tried to ditch workers for highly automated car and battery assembly lines, they too have found that in some cases, the technology can't match the dexterity, ingenuity, and precision of human hands and eyes.

In the case of the 777X, Boeing has learned valuable lessons from its first foray into automation. The new method creates less wear and tear on workers and is more efficient overall.

At Tsamouris, we use real humans and not robots to support you with your fasteners needs.