Machina Labs announced that it has secured a multiyear agreement with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), in partnership with the ARM Institute, to enhance its RoboCraftsman™ platform. According to the company, the project will integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning to support modernization of sustainment activities within the Department of Defense.
The first stage of the program will focus on automating toolpath generation for airframe skins and panels, which Machina Labs noted are vital for keeping aircraft in service. The company emphasized that delays in obtaining these structural parts have negatively affected readiness in the past.
Edward Mehr, Co-Founder and CEO of Machina Labs, explained that the goal is to provide a deployable manufacturing capability that can be positioned closer to where it is needed, even in environments with limited logistical access. He added that this approach allows mission-critical parts to be produced quickly without depending on conventional tooling.
The company also stated that the upgraded platform is intended to function as a multi-purpose manufacturing system that could be applied across defense assets, including aircraft, vehicles, and missiles. Benefits are expected to include reducing “Mission Impaired Capability Awaiting Parts” (MICAP) rates, shortening lead times, and increasing the availability of essential equipment.
Founded in 2019 in Los Angeles, Machina Labs combines AI and robotics to enable rapid production of advanced metal structures. Its RoboCraftsman™ technology is designed to deliver flexible, on-demand manufacturing without the limitations of traditional tooling.
