INDUSTRIES

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE

AUTOMATION IN THE AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE INDUSTRY

Industrial Equipment for Mission-Critical Manufacturing

The battlefield continues to change. The way we defend against security threats must continue to advance, yet the aerospace and defense industry has relied on manual labor for decades, even as other industries have adopted automation.   

This is largely due to the unique challenges of aerospace and defense manufacturing: strict quality and precision standards, high-mix low-volume production, part traceability, and stringent privacy and cybersecurity requirements. However, automation capabilities have and continue to advance every single day. Aerospace & defense manufacturers can rely on ITAR compliant automation integrators, like Mission Design & Automation, to assist in navigating challenges like strict industry standards and speed to production. By transforming their processes from manual labor to fast, efficient systems, aerospace and defense manufacturers can get back to focusing on what’s really important: creating a safer world. 

AUTOMATION IN THE AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE INDUSTRY

Automation for Mission-Critical Manufacturing

The battlefield continues to change. The way we defend against security threats must continue to advance, yet the aerospace and defense industry has relied on manual labor for decades, even as other industries have adopted automation.   

This is largely due to the unique challenges of aerospace and defense manufacturing: strict quality and precision standards, high-mix low-volume production, part traceability, and stringent privacy and cybersecurity requirements. However, automation capabilities have and continue to advance every single day. Aerospace & defense manufacturers can rely on ITAR compliant automation integrators, like Mission Design & Automation, to assist in navigating challenges like strict industry standards and speed to production. By transforming their processes from manual labor to fast, efficient systems, aerospace and defense manufacturers can get back to focusing on what’s really important: creating a safer world. 

BENEFITS OF AUTOMATING IN THE AEROSPACE & DEFENSE INDUSTRY

ACHIEVE EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS

Repetitive tasks can slow production and drain resources. When you implement automated systems to take on these responsibilities, they’re accomplished with speed and precision, significantly reducing your cycle times.  

OPTIMIZE WORKFORCE UTILIZATION

Labor shortages and high turnover can disrupt operations. Automation mitigates these challenges by handling repetitive or physically demanding tasks, improving your employee experience, allowing your team to focus on more strategic responsibilities, increasing efficiency across the board. 

ENHANCE TRACEABILITY AND COMPLIANCE

Automation ensures every component is produced to exact specifications, eliminating variability and improving overall product quality. Advanced vision systems identify defects early in the process, saving you money and time, safeguarding your reputation, and enhancing customer satisfaction. 

FLEXIBILITY FOR HIGH-MIX, LOW-VOLUME PRODUCTION

The complexity of aerospace and defense products often requires production systems capable of efficiently handling a diverse component and product range. At Mission, we customize our automated solutions to accommodate high product variability without sacrificing productivity or precision. 

AUTOMATING THE FUTURE OF AEROSPACE & DEFENSE

TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN AEROSPACE & DEFENSE AUTOMATION

Ready to transform your defense operation? Mission Design & Automation is here to help you streamline processes, improve product quality, and drive efficiency through tailored automation solutions.

ADVANCED APPLICATIONS IN AEROSPACE & DEFENSE

Advanced manufacturing systems, custom-built to execute your Mission

PRECISION ASSEMBLY AND INSPECTION

Military and commercial aerospace products often include intricate components that require a high level of detail work and accuracy—necessities that can often be disrupted with manual labor. Devices like robotic material handling and high-resolution, AI vision systems support defect-free assembly and inspection, delivering the reliability these industries demand. 

FLEXIBLE MATERIAL HANDLING

AMRs, conveyor systems, and programmable or flexible fixtures enable seamless handling of diverse components, from hefty structural elements to intricate microelectronics, all on the same production line.  

Designed for fast changeovers and razor-sharp precision, our solutions incorporate features like smart sensors and vision systems for flawless material handling and traceability. Future proof your operation with flexible solutions that adapt with your changing products. 

ROBOTIC WELDING AND SCREWDRIVING

When precision matters, robotic welding and screwdriving systems get the job done right, every time. These advanced solutions deliver consistent, high-quality welds and fastening to ensure structural integrity that holds up under pressure.

Custom designed for tough, precise aerospace and defense specifications, robotic welding and screwdriving machines handle complex assemblies with speed and accuracy, keeping your production line moving and your products built to last.

RISK MITIGATION AND PROCESS SIMULATION

In the fast-paced world of aerospace and defense, you don’t have time to waste on equipment that doesn’t perform. The Mission Design & Automation team knows how important risk mitigation is to your success. That’s why we join forces with you to plan your manufacturing automation systems in the digital space before getting started on your factory floor. 

Using tools like Visual Components, FANUC RoboGuide, ABB Robot Studio, and more, our team develops process simulations to prove out cycle time studies, payload and inertia calculations, robot reach studies, robot utilization studies, and line balance verifications, so you can kick off your project with confidence. 

INDUSTRY-READY COMPLIANCE

At Mission Design & Automation, we take pride in delivering advanced solutions tailored to the aerospace & defense industry. 

YOUR TRUSTED ITAR PARTNER

When a company—like Mission Design & Automation—is ITAR compliant, it means they follow the rules set by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which are managed by the U.S. Department of State. These rules are in place to protect U.S. defense and military technologies by controlling who can access and share them. For companies in the defense and aerospace industries, ITAR compliance is critical.

ISO 9001 CERTIFIED

Mission is ISO 9001 certified, which means we meet the globally recognized quality management standards set by the International Organization for Standardization. We put quality control at the forefront, focusing on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.  

DFARS COMPLIANT

Mission is DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) compliant, meaning we adhere to the regulations published by the United States Department of Defense. These guidelines were placed to safeguard sensitive defense information and protect the defense supply chain from vulnerabilities by prioritizing U.S.-sourced materials.

NCDMM PARTNER

Mission is proud to be an NCDMM (National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining) Alliance Partner. Made up of organizations spanning government, industry, and academia sectors, the partner network of NCDMM takes a collaborative approach to implement advanced manufacturing technologies that ensure the U.S. remains globally competitive.

YOUR TRUSTED ITAR PARTNER

When a company—like Mission Design & Automation—is ITAR compliant, it means they follow the rules set by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which are managed by the U.S. Department of State. These rules are in place to protect U.S. defense and military technologies by controlling who can access and share them. For companies in the defense and aerospace industries, ITAR compliance is critical.

Learn more about ITAR

ISO 9001 CERTIFIED

Mission is ISO 9001 certified, which means we meet the globally recognized quality management standards set by the International Organization for Standardization. We put quality control at the forefront, focusing on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.  

Learn more about ISO 9001

DFARS COMPLIANT

Mission is DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) compliant, meaning we adhere to the regulations published by the United States Department of Defense. These guidelines were placed to safeguard sensitive defense information and protect the defense supply chain from vulnerabilities by prioritizing U.S.-sourced materials.

Learn more about DFARS

NCDMM PARTNER

Mission is proud to be an NCDMM (National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining) Alliance Partner. Made up of organizations spanning government, industry, and academia sectors, the partner network of NCDMM takes a collaborative approach to implement advanced manufacturing technologies that ensure the U.S. remains globally competitive.

Learn more about NCDMM

WHY CHOOSE MISSION DESIGN & AUTOMATION

CUSTOM SOLUTIONS

Your facility is unique, and so are your needs. We develop custom manufacturing automation systems that achieve your specific goals, whether that's a stand-alone operator station or fully automated integration into your existing production process.

PROVEN EXPERTISE

Our team has years of experience delivering complex automation solutions for aerospace and defense manufacturers. We understand the industry's challenges and provide solutions that work

SMOOTH INTEGRATION

From initial design to installation and support, we manage every step of the integration process, minimizing disruptions for a successful rollout.

DEDICATED SUPPORT

As a Michigan-based small business, we pride ourselves on personalized service. We take the time to understand your goals and provide ongoing support. Your success is our top priority.

ENGINEERED FOR SUCCESS

At Mission Design & Automation, engineers make up the majority of the team—meaning your project is in expert hands from concept to completion. With a deep bench of mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers, solutions are designed with precision and built to perform. From tackling hard-to-solve problems to fine-tuning the details, this team knows how to turn ambitious concepts into reliable, real-world automation.

ROOM FOR YOUR BIGGEST IDEAS

With a high-capacity operation and more than 75,000 sq. ft. of combined office and manufacturing floor space, Mission Design & Automation is equipped to take on projects of any scale. Your automation solution will be assembled and tested in a facility designed for efficiency, ensuring faster turnaround times and smoother implementation. No matter the complexity or size of your project, Mission has the resources and space to build your biggest ideas to life.

ELEVATE YOUR AEROSPACE & DEFENSE MANUFACTURING

Precision, reliability, and efficiency are non-negotiable in aerospace and defense manufacturing. Are your production processes meeting the demand? Whether you need to improve quality control, enhance non-destructive testing, or automate complex assembly, our team is ready to help you integrate the right automation solution. Let’s start the conversation.

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