The modular structure of the aircraft was also meant to reduce or remove the need for gantry cranes. It required 2- or maybe it was 3-axis forklifts but no gantries. Gantries need tracks and structural support and those make the building the planes are built in quite expensive. I joked at the time that they could buy an old Walmart Superstore and use it to assemble the 787. Though I’m relatively sure they’d crack the concrete.
I have no recollection of whether they stuck with that plan, but I recall the diagrams in the pitch deck.
I have no recollection of whether they stuck with that plan, but I recall the diagrams in the pitch deck.