US Patent 10486369 Systems, methods, and apparatus for automated sealant application

Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for shaping sealant applied to a fastener. Methods include pressing, using an end effector of a robotic arm, a dabbing tool against the sealant, the sealant sealing a surface of the fastener along a surface of an assembly, the pressing of the dabbing tool shaping an exterior surface of the sealant. Methods also include releasing an amount of solvent from the dabbing tool in response to the pressing, the amount of solvent reducing adhesion between the dabbing tool and the sealant, the amount of solvent being released, at least in part, from a porous member included in the dabbing tool. Methods further include disengaging the dabbing tool from the sealant after the shaping of the exterior surface of the sealant.