Composite ply placement system and method

A system for placing a composite ply, the system comprising:

• a transfer end effector that is movable relative to a carrier transfer device, configured to convey a ply carrier that supports the composite ply;
• and
• a placement end effector that is movable relative to the transfer end effector and to a forming tool,
• wherein:
• the transfer end effector comprises a magnetic chuck that is configured to magnetically engage the ply carrier, supporting the composite ply, to remove the ply carrier from the carrier transfer device and to position the ply carrier for removal by the placement end effector;
• and
• the placement end effector is configured to remove the ply carrier from the transfer end effector and to apply the composite ply to the forming tool.