220 Kiosks Used in Production of Airbus A380

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By Chantal Wright

Airbus Deutschland has commissioned Werkstation to design and develop a total of 220 terminal systems used throughout Europe in its production of the new Airbus A380.
 
The aircraft manufacturer uses some of the kiosk systems as information terminals for employees who do not have access to a computer. In the production halls they are used exclusively as technical information systems for the relevant employees. Safety considerations played a key role in the decision to use kiosk terminals in production, since the threat of industrial espionage had to be kept to an absolute minimum. The user of the design plans identifies him/herself at the terminal by means of a proximity card reader and a personal identification number. The user then has access to the respective manufacturing documents and plans for which he/she has authorisation. As the kiosk systems are connected to the central computer, the latest versions of the production documents and plans are available at all times, preventing the circulation of outdated documents.

As the terminals are located in the production halls, Airbus issued strict guidelines for the refractoriness and robustness of the systems. They have to meet German fire-resistance class F30, so the enclosures have a Resopal coating and the components, such as keypad, monitor and card reader, are made of stainless steel.

The terminals in production also have to meet the requirements of IP 54 protection class in accordance with German industrial standard (DIN) 40 050. IP 54 means that the penetration of dust into the terminals may not exceed a level that would impair function. Furthermore, spray water must not damage the terminals or have a negative effect on function.
 
Taking On the Turbulence
 
The robust design of the kiosk systems also prevents wear in tough everyday use and maintenance intervals are longer than for systems built in the conventional manner. Unlike standard terminals, the Airbus terminals also feature areas to both the left and right-hand side of the keypad where it is possible to put down documents.

A 19 inch touchscreen monitor from 3M Touch Systems is used for navigation within the kiosk system. Werkstation chose these monitors as they have already demonstrated their extreme durability and robustness under tough conditions. 3M also supplies the touchscreens as panel without frame, and this greatly facilitates the integration into the dustproof casing. In accordance with the special production requirements, it is also possible to call up information via a Dekorsy stainless steel keypad with integrated trackball.