Maintenance in aeronautics in an Industry 4.0 context: The role of Augmented Reality and Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

Abstract The paper broadly addresses how Industry 4.0 program drivers will impact maintenance in aviation. Specifically, Industry 4.0 practices most suitable to aeronautical maintenance are selected, and a detailed exposure is provided. Advantages and open issues are widely discussed and case studies dealing with realistic scenarios are illustrated to support what has been proposed by authors. The attention has been oriented towards Augmented Reality and Additive Manufacturing technologies, which can support maintenance tasks and spare parts production, respectively. The intention is to demonstrate that Augmented Reality and Additive Manufacturing are viable tools in aviation maintenance, and while a strong effort is necessary to develop an appropriate regulatory framework, mandatory before the wide-spread introduction of these technologies in the aerospace systems maintenance process, there has been a great interest and pull from the industry sector. Highlights Industry 4.0 practices most suitable to aeronautical maintenance are selected. Advantages and open issues are widely discussed and case studies are illustrated. Augmented Reality can support maintenance tasks. Additive Manufacturing can be useful to produce spare parts. A strong effort is necessary to develop an appropriate aeronautical regulatory framework.