December 1, 2024 | Manned Systems | Propulsion | Manufacturing & Prototyping | Robotics, Automation & Control

How Pratt & Whitney Uses a Robot to Help Build Jet Engines

Alfred, the HPC stacking robot at Pratt & Whitney Eagle Services Asia, prepares for its next shift on the shop floor. (Image: Pratt & Whitney)

Pratt & Whitney is using a new robot named Alfred to assemble high-pressure compressor rotors for its GTF PW1100G-JM engine that powers the Airbus A320neo family of aircraft.

In September, the aircraft engine manufacturing company published a blog post describing how Alfred is helping to reduce the assembly process time for GTF engines. On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Kevin Kirkpatrick, Vice President of Aftermarket Global Operations, Pratt & Whitney, explains how they're using Alfred today. Kirkpatrick also discusses how the company will expand its use of robotics in the future.

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