# Aerobotix integrates robots that inspect, prepare, and paint combat aircraft

- Show: [The Robot Report Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast)
- Published: 2023-08-03
- Length: 1h 24m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-08-03-aerobotix-integrates-robots-that-inspect-prepare-and-paint-combat-aircraft
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/robot-report-podcast/aerobotix-integrates-robots-that-inspect-prepare-and-paint-combat-aircraft

## Summary

Chris Kolb, VP of Sales at Aerobotix, discusses the company's work integrating robotic systems for the inspection, sanding, and painting of US military aircraft. He details the development of a force-compliant tape dispensing end-effector and the use of gantry systems to automate hazardous coating processes, protecting workers from chemicals like hexavalent chrome. The conversation also covers the long sales cycles in defense contracting and the company's role in painting aircraft for the movie *Top Gun: Maverick*. The hosts also analyze the fire-sale acquisition of 6 River Systems by Ocado, discussing the strategic implications for the AMR industry and existing customers.

## Chapters

- [0:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-08-03-aerobotix-integrates-robots-that-inspect-prepare-and-paint-combat-aircraft#t=9) Introduction and Robo Business Event Promo
- [5:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-08-03-aerobotix-integrates-robots-that-inspect-prepare-and-paint-combat-aircraft#t=319) Ocado's Acquisition of 6 River Systems and Shopify's Fire Sale
- [29:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-08-03-aerobotix-integrates-robots-that-inspect-prepare-and-paint-combat-aircraft#t=1741) Robotics Investment Recap and Autonomous Vehicle News
- [44:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-08-03-aerobotix-integrates-robots-that-inspect-prepare-and-paint-combat-aircraft#t=2697) Interview with Chris Kolb: Aerobotix Overview
- [56:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-08-03-aerobotix-integrates-robots-that-inspect-prepare-and-paint-combat-aircraft#t=3418) The Force-Compliant Tape Dispensing Innovation
- [1:05:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-08-03-aerobotix-integrates-robots-that-inspect-prepare-and-paint-combat-aircraft#t=3940) Gantry Systems and Top Gun: Maverick Painting
- [1:10:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-08-03-aerobotix-integrates-robots-that-inspect-prepare-and-paint-combat-aircraft#t=4253) Mobile Manipulators and Class 1 Division 1 Environments
- [1:15:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-08-03-aerobotix-integrates-robots-that-inspect-prepare-and-paint-combat-aircraft#t=4531) FIRST Robotics and Workforce Development

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Aerobotix (company)
- 6 River Systems (company)
- Ocado (company)
- Shopify (company)
- Boston Dynamics (company)
- Spot (product)
- Ontario Power Generation (company)
- Fur Robotics (company)
- Top Gun: Maverick (product)
- F 18 (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [S1E26 Jet Engines, Collaborative Robots, & Flying | Seth Garrison](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-07-31-s1e26-jet-engines-collaborative-robots-flying-seth-garrison) (Being an Engineer)
- [Colby Harvey: Drones for Aircraft Inspections, Boeing, Air Force, Air Safety | Hard Tech Podcast #13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-09-24-colby-harvey-drones-for-aircraft-inspections-boeing-air-force-air-safety-hard-te) (Hard Tech Podcast)
- [Make the Right Chips, Do the Right Work, Ep #12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-02-05-make-the-right-chips-do-the-right-work-ep-12) (Lights Out)
- [Episode Fourteen – Aerial Robotics: taking flight](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-02-25-episode-fourteen-aerial-robotics-taking-flight) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode 145: Robotics and automation in manufacturing - Agata Suwala](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-02-20-episode-145-robotics-and-automation-in-manufacturing-agata-suwala) (Robot Talk)

## Citing this page

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