Path repeatable machining for full sized determinant assembly

An apparatus for machining a part, the apparatus comprising:

• a positioner having a first end;
• an end effector including a housing, the housing being coupled to the first end of the positioner;
• a machining tool included in the housing, wherein the machining tool is configured to perform at least one machining operation on the part;
• a plurality of sensors included in the housing, the plurality of sensors configured to measure a position and orientation of the end effector and machining tool relative to the part;
• and
• a coupling tool coupled to the housing, wherein the coupling tool is configured to mechanically couple the end effector with the part.

A method for machining a part, the method comprising:

• moving an end effector to a position identified by a machining pattern associated with the part, the end effector including a machining tool and a coupling tool;
• generating a first spatial representation of the position, the first spatial representation identifying a first orientation of the machining tool relative to the part;
• mechanically coupling, using the coupling tool, the end effector to the part at the position;
• generating a second spatial representation of the position, the second spatial representation identifying a second orientation of the machining tool relative to the part;
• and
• adjusting the machining tool in response to determining that the second spatial representation is different than the first spatial representation, wherein the adjusting of the machining tool returns the machining tool to the first orientation relative to the part.