Custom vision system guides automated assembly of military's phased-antenna modules.
Lockheed Martin's phased-antenna array has been a critical component of the US Navy Aegis electronic-warfare system for decades. While many components of the Aegis system have been modified and upgraded throughout the program's 15-year lifetime, the antenna system was so advanced when first deployed that it is still the leading technology for radar systems. The manufacturing tooling, on the other hand, is now outdated. The equipment cannot be maintained because spare parts are unavailable.