A state-of-the-art review on robotic milling of complex parts with high efficiency and precision

• The challenges faced by milling robots in machining operations are systematically reviewed. • The performance indexes commonly used to evaluate machining systems are highlighted. • The differences between regenerative and modal coupling chatter are compared. • Robotic processing stability is analyzed from two aspects of posture and cutting condition optimization. • Future trends of milling robots and problems to be solved are prospected. Milling refers to a class of material processing methods that relies on a high-speed rotating milling cutter removing extra material to get desired shapes and features. Being distinct from conventional material removal techniques, like CNC machining, robotic milling has the benefits of lower cost, higher flexibility, better adaptability, etc. Therefore, robotic milling has attracted a large amount of researchers’ interest and become an important material-removing way in the machining of complex parts. Trying to present a comprehensive and systematic review on the robotic milling of complex components, this paper elaborates the history and state of the art on stiffness, dynamics, posture planning, chatter, and compensation in the robotic milling process. Furthermore, future potential research topics about robotic milling are also discussed.