Robotic Sheet Metal Forming CAPABILITY REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

This is a Capability Request for Information (CRFI) issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) and does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with responding to this notice.

The United States Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) is conducting market research analysis to identify existing solutions for an on-demand, dieless robotic sheet metal forming capability. This capability is intended to produce structural components, brackets, panels, skin sections, and spare parts for support equipment, and aircraft at depot, maintenance, or factory-level facilities.

Traditional manufacturing of sheet metal parts relies on heavy, expensive tooling, dies, and presses that require long lead times, high upfront costs, and physical storage. Robotic sheet metal forming—utilizing dual-sided or single-sided synchronized robotic arm manipulators equipped with generic, interchangeable forming styli—offers a flexible, software-defined alternative.

The objective of this research is to identify commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) or rapidly adaptable solutions capable of being integrated into standard industrial manufacturing and maintenance facilities. This capability is aimed at reducing reliance on traditional supply chains, eliminating the need for part-specific hard tooling, and dramatically accelerating low-volume manufacturing and prototyping cycles.

Submitters are encouraged to highlight existing commercial technologies and details on how their hardware and software solutions can be integrated into industrial DoW facilities. Submitters may also identify optional services, such as operator training, technical support, tooling/stylus consumables, and system maintenance. See the attachment with this notice for additional details.