With the wide application of composite materials in aircraft body structure, one–sided fasteners are also widely used in the assembly process. In view of the problems existing in the assembly process of composite panels and one–sided fasteners, the application status of robotic riveting technology in aviation manufacturing is analyzed, the difficulties of robotic riveting technology for composite panels are expounded, and the key technology research is carried out, then the robot automatic riveting system is designed and developed. The system has the functions of automatic positioning and clamping, measuring, drilling, feeding and fastener riveting of composite panels assembly process, which can greatly improve the assembly quality and efficiency of composite structural parts.