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To eliminate some of the problems associated with the conventional process of locating and positioning large airframe subassemblies, Advanced Integration Technology, Inc. (AIT) began working with aircraft manufacturers in the late 1980s to design automated positioning and alignment systems. These tools differ from conventional jigs in two regards. First, they rely on an automated positioning control system to simultaneously coordinate the motion of multiple mechanical actuators to smoothly and accurately manipulate aircraft parts in a known fashion. Second, laser measurement subsystems are used to locate parts and control aircraft geometry. The combination of these technologies yields benefits such as lower non-recurring and recurring costs as well as better quality, lower cycle time, and improved production flexibility. Over the last decade, AIT has installed dozens of such systems making many improvements along the way.

The introduction of a new derivative to an existing aircraft model poses many decisions regarding old versus new. In the case of the introduction of the extended range 767 (the 767-400ER), an entirely new wing design prompted the examination of the then current assembly processes and tooling. The hesitation to build new drill templates for use in the traditional method of second stage wing spar assembly inspired Tool Engineering Management to request the investigation of a low cost automated drilling apparatus. As a result, the Boeing Automated Tools Group and Advanced Integration Technology, Inc. (AIT) developed and implemented mobile numerically controlled mini-drilling machines for post-ASAT I assembly-drilling operations.