Boeing Urges Suppliers to Embrace Automation for Higher Production Rates
Boeing is pushing its suppliers to adopt automation and modern manufacturing techniques as it works to increase production rates. Chief Technology Officer Lane Ballard emphasized that the aerospace sector needs to transition from traditional manual processes to higher levels of automation and repeatability.
Ballard noted that the industry has historically been a 'craftsman business, hand-built, hand riveting' but must now adopt more efficient methods. He stated that suppliers need to understand the importance of moving away from craftsman thinking and embracing autonomy.
The push for automation is part of Boeing's efforts to increase production rates, particularly for the 737 Max. The company faces challenges in its supply chain, including bottlenecks affecting key components. As a result, Boeing needs more time to stabilize 737 production at 47 planes per month and requires engineers with expertise in software, autonomy, artificial intelligence, and rapid design-to-manufacturing processes.
The industry is expected to require approximately 40,000 commercial airplanes over the next 20 years. To meet this demand, Boeing and its suppliers must adapt to modern manufacturing techniques and invest in automation and technology.