Adaptive Multi-Axis Control System

A practical path from precision alignment to large-scale robotic automation.

AMACS is ATI’s integrated platform for helping large-structure manufacturers align, inspect, document, repair, and eventually automate work with greater confidence.

The system begins with a simple but powerful idea: before large-scale manufacturing can become repeatable, the work itself needs reliable reference points. Large structures move. Fixtures change. Surfaces vary. Parts are reworked, scanned, repaired, coated, inspected, and revisited over time. Without a persistent reference strategy, every operation can become a new setup problem.

AMACS is designed to solve that problem.

At the foundation of the platform is the AMACS Anchor™ — a physical reference point that can be attached to large structures, tools, molds, fixtures, assemblies, or work zones. The Anchor creates a repeatable datum that allows teams to return to the same reference system for alignment, inspection, scanning, re-registration, and downstream automation workflows.

From that starting point, AMACS becomes a practical adoption path.

A customer does not need to begin with a full robotic automation system. AMACS can start with alignment. Then it can support persistent reference workflows where they make sense. From there, the same reference strategy can extend into scanning, metrology, digital work instructions, adaptive robotic positioning, and rapid-deployment automation platforms.

The AMACS Adoption Path

1. Align First

Most large-scale manufacturing problems begin with alignment.

Before automation, before robotic sanding, before adaptive machining, before inspection reporting, the part or structure must be located in a trusted coordinate system.

AMACS supports alignment workflows using physical Anchors, metrology devices, 3D scanning, and software-assisted registration. The goal is to help teams establish repeatable reference points so large structures can be measured, inspected, and worked on with less uncertainty.

This first step can support:

Large-part alignment
Fixture and tool alignment
Mold and plug inspection
Shipyard and marine structure reference
Aerospace and transportation structures
Scan-to-CAD and reverse engineering workflows
Inspection and repair documentation

The value begins immediately: better setup, better reference, better data, and better repeatability.

2. Preserve the Reference

In many large-structure environments, the biggest challenge is not only measuring the part once. The bigger challenge is returning to the same reference system later.

AMACS Anchors are designed to create persistent datum points that can remain associated with a structure, tool, mold, or work area. This allows teams to re-register the work after movement, repair, inspection, coating, assembly, or process interruption.

Persistent reference can support:

Before-and-after scan comparison
Repair tracking
Digital twin re-registration
Multi-stage inspection
Repeatable metrology setups
Work package documentation
Tooling and fixture verification
Long-term structural reference

This is where AMACS begins to move beyond normal scanning or one-time inspection. It becomes part of the manufacturing infrastructure.

3. Expand Into SmarTrack and Rapid Deployment Automation

Once reliable alignment and persistent reference are established, AMACS can support more advanced automation workflows.

The AMACS Anchor can become the starting point for ATI’s Rapid Deployment SmarTrack™ robotic platform — a modular alignment and rail-based automation strategy designed for large structures, tight work zones, and applications where fixed automation may be too expensive, too rigid, or too difficult to justify.

Rather than requiring a customer to install a full automation cell on day one, AMACS allows automation to be introduced where it fits.

This can include:

Portable robotic work zones
Rail-mounted robot deployment
Robotic sanding and surface preparation
Adaptive tool positioning
Scanner-guided robotic workflows
Repositionable automation around large structures
Repeatable setup for limited-run production
Future closed-loop manufacturing processes

The result is a realistic path to automation: start with the reference system, prove the workflow, then automate the operations that deliver measurable value.

AMACS SmarTrack™ – AMACS Rapid Deployable Automation Platform

Why AMACS Matters

Large-scale manufacturing is often limited by setup time, manual layout, inconsistent references, and the difficulty of applying automation to parts that are too large or too variable for traditional fixed systems.

AMACS helps address these challenges by connecting four critical layers:

Physical Reference

The AMACS Anchor creates repeatable physical reference points on the structure, tool, fixture, or work zone.

Digital Measurement

Metrology devices, 3D scanners, trackers, and inspection software can use those reference points to establish or recover the working coordinate system.

Workflow Control

AMACS workflows help connect alignment, inspection, documentation, and process planning into a repeatable digital process.

Automation Readiness

Once the structure can be reliably referenced, ATI can support a path toward adaptive robotic platforms, SmarTrack deployment, and future multi-axis automation.

Built for Practical Adoption

AMACS is not an all-or-nothing system.

It is designed so manufacturers can begin with the workflow they need today and grow into more advanced capabilities over time.

A company may begin with basic 3D scanning and alignment services. Another may begin with Anchors for persistent datum control. Another may use AMACS to support mold inspection, shipyard repair tracking, or large-part re-registration. Over time, those same reference points can become part of a broader automation strategy.

This makes AMACS especially valuable for manufacturers who know automation is coming but are not ready to commit to a full robotic system before the process is proven.Applications

AMACS is designed for large structures and complex manufacturing environments, including:

Marine and yacht manufacturing
Shipbuilding and repair
Aerospace structures
Transportation and rail
Large molds and plugs
Composite manufacturing
Defense and sustainment
Heavy equipment
Robotic surface preparation
Large-scale inspection and reverse engineering

The AMACS Advantage

AMACS gives manufacturers a structured path forward:

Align the work.
Preserve the reference.
Measure with confidence.
Document the process.
Re-register when needed.
Automate when ready.

From Alignment to Automation

ATI developed AMACS to bridge the gap between today’s manual large-structure workflows and tomorrow’s adaptive robotic manufacturing systems.

The AMACS Anchor is the starting point.

The persistent datum strategy is the foundation.

SmarTrack and rapid-deployment robotics are the next step.

Together, they create a scalable platform for manufacturers who need better alignment today and a realistic path to automation tomorrow.

Integrated Metrology

Seamless integration with laser trackers and scanning systems delivers micron-level positioning and real-time verification across complex geometries.

The Problem

Temporary Alignment Creates Permanent Problems

Large aerospace structures often rely on temporary setups, removable targets, repeated measurements, and manual re-acquisition during fabrication and assembly.

As structures move between workstations, tooling, robotic operations, scanning, and verification systems, positional continuity is lost—driving rework, delay, and alignment uncertainty.

THE AMACS APPROACH

Persistent Reference. Modular Acquisition.

AMACS Aerospace introduces a persistent metrology infrastructure built around the AMACS Anchor Puck™ ecosystem.

Compact, low-profile reference pucks remain with the structure while modular acquisition interfaces support multiple workflows:

laser tracker acquisition
scan registration
robotic verification
automated alignment
future sensor integration

DESIGNED FOR REAL WORKFLOWS

Built for Aerospace Reality

Low-profile installation
Welded, bolted, magnetic, or bonded deployment
Persistent datum architecture
Repeatable line-of-sight acquisition
Portable metrology integration
Compatible with scanning and robotic systems
Designed for large cylindrical and structural assemblies

DIGITAL CONTINUITY

From Fabrication to Final Assembly

AMACS connects physical structures to repeatable digital reference systems—supporting scan registration, robotic alignment, inspection, verification, and digital twin continuity throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.

Call to Action

Discuss an AMACS Pilot

Request an Alignment Review
Discuss Persistent Metrology Integration
Schedule a Technical Consultation

Unified Digital Workflow

AMACS™ connects alignment, verification, and digital twin processes into a single workflow—eliminating fragmentation between fabrication and inspection.

From Fabrication to Final Assembly

Large aerospace structures introduce challenges in alignment, tolerance stacking, and re-registration across multiple stages. AMACS eliminates these gaps by maintaining a continuous spatial reference—allowing structures to be re-positioned, verified, and assembled with confidence.

Whether working with cylindrical tanks, fuselage sections, or hybrid assemblies, AMACS ensures that every stage aligns to the same digital truth.

Designed for Large-Scale Precision

Micron-level alignment using laser tracker integration
Support for cylindrical and complex geometries
Persistent datum system embedded or attached to structure
Cross-stage re-registration for digital twin workflows
Compatible with multi-axis robotic systems and inspection platforms

AMACS transforms alignment from a temporary task into a persistent system—bringing repeatability, traceability, and confidence to manufacturing.

Questions… Call (800) 960-1316 / AMACS@ati4d.com.

Contact us for information pertaining to AMACS Pilot Programs.