The Exechon joint venture (JV) has introduced its new XMini at the International Defence Exposition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The JV includes Abu Dhabi-based Injaz National, US global security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin, and Sweden-based Tecgrant.

The XMini is a robotic portable machine that has been designed and developed to support industrial automated manufacturing capabilities using parallel kinematics machining (PKM).

This robotic machine can be used as a single tool or as part of an existing production system.

“The XMini reflects Lockheed Martin's commitment to supporting the UAE's goal of becoming the leading supplier of cutting-edge, automated manufacturing technology.”

The company claims that XMini combines the flexibility and dynamics of the articulated-arm robot with the robustness and accuracy of the rigid machine tool.

It is the first product developed by the JV, which intends to open an engineering and manufacturing centre for aerospace and other sectors at Masdar Institute later this year.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control executive vice-president Rick Edwards said: “The XMini reflects Lockheed Martin's commitment to supporting the UAE's goal of becoming the leading supplier of cutting-edge, automated manufacturing technology.”

The company further explained that its carbon-fibre device can be taken apart and reassembled inside spaces that cannot be accessed by machines or people such as an aircraft wing box.