This type of robot contains rigid frames and tubes that use linear motors to slide and swing tools into position for welding, cutting, gluing and assembly.

ECONOMIST: Robots: Nothing to lose but their chains | The

Another company is Rhino Assembly, a small business in Charlotte, North Carolina that sells and repairs tools for building cars and planes.

WHITEHOUSE: Weekly Address: American Jobs Through Exports to Latin America | The White House

Doing this assembly at the ISS means it can be overseen by astronauts with ready access to tools if needed.

BBC: Manned flight around Moon considered