The automation of manufacturing processes in aviation production is very difficult and subject to technological challenges and economical risks. Both safety and easy-to-use collaborative robotics solutions

where human operators and robots share their workspace

combine their advantages and work collaboratively

are becoming valid to address the challenging requirements for complex manufacturing with low cost

high efficiency

flexibility and automation. In this paper

the background of collaborative robots and four kinds of human-robot-collaboration are first presented. Then the Airbus and the BAE’s visions of the “Factory of the Future” are presented

highlighting how collaborative solutions are intended to increase quality and productivity. The main industrial application cases for aircraft assembly where collaborative robots are advantageous are also explained in detail. Moreover

a summary of human-robot collaboration technological challenges is provided

with specific focus on robot hardware design

force sensing and control

behavior design and autonomous learning of collaborative robots. It is expected that human-robot-collaboration for safe

efficient

flexible and intelligent operations is found in wide industrial applications of the future.