Visualization of a future aerospace manufacturing facility powered by swarm robotics. | Source: H2 Clipper
H2 Clipper Inc. is one step closer to its goal of using autonomous and semi-autonomous robotic swarms in aircraft and aerospace manufacturing. Its latest patent, U.S. Patent No. 12,234,035, brings the company to 15 awarded patents.
The patent issued last week is a continuation of H2 Clipper’s (H2C) foundational robotics patent (U.S. Patent No. 11,851,214) granted in December 2023. It extends the scope of H2C’s proprietary robotics claims to cover large-scale aviation and aerospace manufacturing.
“The issuance of this patent marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of aerospace and aviation manufacturing,” said Rinaldo Brutoco, founder and CEO of H2C. “By replacing traditional assembly lines with robotic swarms, this breakthrough enables aircraft and large aerospace assets to be built faster, at a significantly lower cost, and with far greater precision.”
“Conservative estimates based on current aerospace production benchmarks suggest this approach can reduce total manufacturing costs by 40% or more and cut production timeframes by up to 60% while simultaneously improving quality,” he added.
H2 Clipper has developed high-speed, Pipeline-in-the-Sky hydrogen-powered airships for long-distance global transport. Its airships use no fossil fuels and offer a range commercial and humanitarian applications.
Since 2008, the company said it has made strategic investments to research, develop, and patent core intellectual property (IP) in modern airship design. These include advanced software systems and midstream solutions for efficient delivery of both gaseous and liquid hydrogen.
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H2 Clipper lists key features of collaborative assembly
H2 Clippers newly patented system involves a network of robots that operate collaboratively and autonomously to construct large aerospace structures. The Santa Barbara, Calif.-based company said its robots can do this efficiently and with a significantly smaller production facility footprint.
H2C listed its innovations:
Automated manufacturing: Robots work in a coordinated “swarm” to assemble airframes, attach the exterior skin, and install structural and internal components. H2C said they also perform bonding and fastening operations, conduct in-process quality inspections, and carry out other complex, high-precision tasks.
Artificial intelligence-driven optimization: Machine learning and generative AI guide the robotic swarm to self-correct, improve manufacturing precision, reduce errors, and optimize construction timelines, asserted the company.
Scalability and safety: The system uses built-in sensors and AI-driven oversight to safely manage all operations. This assures collision-free operation and eliminates the need for workers to operate at dangerous heights, H2C claimed. With no fixed assembly line or gantries required, operators can remotely supervise manufacturing and scale across multiple locations.
Heavy-lift robotics integration: H2C said its technology enables the construction of large-scale structures entirely in place—horizontally or vertically—using autonomous robots capable of repositioning and aligning major components. This flexibility supports multiple assembly approaches while reducing infrastructure requirements and improving safety.
“Traditionally, aircrafts must be moved through multiple stages, requiring massive facilities, complex scheduling, and high logistical overhead,” the company said. H2C added that its approach builds these assets in place, eliminating costly movement, saving time, and reducing the need for assembly line infrastructure.
Swarm tech based on Pipeline-in-the-Sky airships
H2C CEO Rinaldo Brutoco (center), with the patent’s other two co-inventors, Robert Shelton, VP of IP and partnerships (left) and Mike Everman of Bell-Everman (right). | Source: H2 Clipper
H2 Clipper explained that its focus on Swarm Robotics arose from its pursuit of the best way to construct its Pipeline-in-the-Sky airships. However, it soon realized that the approach could address multiple challenges faced in all aviation and aerospace manufacturing.
With the continuation patent now issued, the company said it plans to assemble a select group of industry leaders in aerospace engineering, robotics, AI, regulatory affairs, and advanced manufacturing. These leaders will guide the next phase of development and demonstration.
H2C said this expert team will play a key role in shaping a technology roadmap that supports potential licensing to OEMs. It may also lay the groundwork for a broader industry consortium to accelerate the adoption of swarm robotics across the aerospace sector.
“This patent represents a game-changing moment for aerospace manufacturing—a shift as significant as the invention of the assembly line itself,” said Brutoco. “Swarm robotics gives OEMs the ability to build aircraft and spacecraft smarter, faster, and more affordably than ever before, opening the door to a new era in aviation and the future of flight.”
H2C was selected in 2021 for inclusion in Dassault Systèmes‘ 3DEXPERIENCE Lab accelerator program. In 2024, H2C and Dassault agreed on a renewed three-year contract to further develop robotic software for this novel construction method.
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