Automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels

An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels, comprising:

• a panel handling module configured to receive and secure a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, the composite panel having opposed major surfaces and defining an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, the composite panel being secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible, and the insert-receiving orifice being formed in the composite panel in a previous process prior to receipt of the composite panel by the panel handling module;
• a fastener insert assembly module configured to engage each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide;
• and
• a fastener insert installation module configured to determine a configuration of the insert-receiving orifice formed in the previous process, the configuration being a through-hole configuration or a blind hole configuration, or a size of the insert-receiving orifice formed in the previous process, the size being a lateral size or a longitudinal size, defined by the composite panel secured by the panel handling module, to select a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide from the fastener insert assembly module in response to the determined configuration or size of the insert-receiving orifice, to insert the selected fastener insert into the insert-receiving orifice, and to dispense an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the insert-receiving orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the insert-receiving orifice.