Abstract: A semi-automated electromagnetic riveting technology was proposed to achieve high-quality and long-life connections for the typical riveting characteristics of aerospace conical cylindrical structural components; The semi-automatic electromagnetic riveting actuator system that including axis adjustment mechanism, buffer mechanism, guide mechanism and brake mechanism was designed. The impact recoil calculation test was completed and the recoil characteristics of electromagnetic riveting was analyzed. It is found that the recoil impulse of electromagnetic riveting is slightly less than 30 N·s under 1 000 V, which can provide support for the precise design of electromagnetic riveting buffer mechanisms. The comparative test on the riveting strength of ordinary pneumatic riveting and electromagnetic riveting was completed, which verifies the feasibility of semi-automatic electromagnetic riveter to solve the problem of high-quality and long-life connection of conical cylindrical structures.