One variation of a method for autonomously scanning and processing a part includes: collecting a set of images depicting a part positioned within a work zone adjacent a robotic system; assembling the set of images into a part model representing the part. The method includes segmenting areas of the part model—delineated by local radii of curvature, edges, or color boundaries—into target zones for processing by the robotic system and exclusion zones avoided by the robotic system. The method includes: projecting a set of keypoints onto the target zone of part model defining positions, orientations, and target forces of a sanding head applied at locations on the part model; assembling the set of keypoints into a toolpath and projecting the toolpath onto the target zone of the part model; and transmitting the toolpath to a robotic system to execute the toolpath on the part within the work zone.

A system for moving an object against a working surface of a finishing machine. A mounting platform is provided that is supported by a stationary frame. The mounting platform can only move reciprocally relative to the stationary frame along a linear line of motion. An articulating arm is mounted on the mounting platform and moves with the mounting platform. A linear actuator is provided having a first end coupled to the mounting platform and an opposite end mounted to the stationary frame. The linear actuator has a midline that is parallel to, and aligned with, the linear line of motion. A finishing machine is provided that has a working surface. The articulating arm touches objects to the working surface at a point of contact that is coplanar with the linear line of motion. This directs forces along the linear line of motion and into the linear actuator.

One variation of a method for autonomously scanning and processing a part includes: accessing a part model representing a part positioned in a work zone adjacent a robotic system; retrieving a sanding head translation speed; retrieving a toolpath for execution on the part defining positions, orientations, and target forces applied by the sanding head to the part. The method includes traversing the sanding head along the toolpath, at the sanding head translation speed; reading a sequence of applied forces from a force sensor coupled to the sanding head at positions along the toolpath; and deviating from the toolpath to maintain the set of applied forces within a threshold difference of a sequence of target forces along the toolpath. In one variation of the method, the robotic system executes a toolpath at a duration less than target duration by selectively varying target force and sanding head translation speed across the part.

A robotic repair unit (400) is presented that includes a removal tool (330, 425) coupled tot he robotic repair unit (400). The removal tool (330, 425) is configured to remove fluid or debris from a worksurface (130). The repair unit (400) also includes a controller (150) configured to control the robotic repair unit (400).

A grinding or polishing device and a method for treating a workpiece are provided. The grinding or polishing device includes a tool holder for holding a grinding or polishing tool and a mounting head for mounting the tool holder to a multi-axis manipulator. The tool holder is rotatable with respect to the mounting head about a pivot axis. The grinding or polishing device further includes a sensor for converting at least one parameter indicative of an angular position of the tool holder about the pivot axis into an output signal that can be used for determining a control signal for controlling the multi-axis manipulator.

A device for robot-assisted machining of surfaces is described below. According to an example, the device has a retainer with a base plate designed for mounting on a manipulator and has an assembly suspended on the retainer, the assembly comprising a machine tool. The retainer has a tilt mechanism which couples the assembly to the retainer in such a way that the assembly can be tilted relative to the base plate about two axes of rotation, wherein the two axes of rotation can intersect with one another and run through the assembly below the base plate.

A method for automatically attaching a surface treatment medium to a head of a surface treatment tool mounted on an articulated arm of a robot is disclosed. The method comprises placing the head on a surface and applying a predefined force to press the head towards the surface when no surface treatment medium is attached to the head, measuring the distance between the head and the surface using one or more positioning sensors of the robot arm or the surface treatment tool, attaching a surface treatment medium to the head, placing the head on the surface when the surface treatment medium is attached to the head, and measuring the distance between the head and the surface using one or more positioning sensors of the robot arm or the surface treatment tool when the surface treatment medium is attached to the head.

A sanding automation system for removing a surface defect of an exterior component includes a first robot for generating an inspection mark of a certain pattern on an exterior component with uniform pressure through an inspection mark tool to secure visibility of a surface defect, a vision system for analyzing an image of the exterior component photographed through at least one vision sensor and recognizing a surface defect marking position and a surface defect depth level displayed on the exterior component on which the inspection mark is generated, and a second robot for removing the surface defect by sequentially moving a sanding tool to at least one of the surface defect marking positions and performing a sanding operation with the set amount of sanding according to a corresponding surface defect depth level.

A low-profile, automated guided vehicle (AGV) performs surface treatments over large areas of a structure having limited access, such as an aircraft underbelly. The AGV includes a movable gantry provided with automated robot. The robot has interchangeable end effectors for carrying out the surface treatments. Travel of the AGV relative to structure is controlled by a ground guidance system.

The occurrence of grinding unevenness is prevented even when the movement speed of a robot is changed. Provided is a grinding robot system including: a motor-driven grinder that performs grinding; a robot that grinds a grinding target by means of the grinder in a state in which one of the grinder or the grinding target is attached to a distal end thereof and is moved, and the other is set at a fixed position; and a control unit that controls the robot and the grinder, wherein the control unit calculates a rotational-speed command value for the grinder that changes according to the movement speed of the distal end of the robot and controls the rotational speed of the grinder on the basis of the calculated rotational-speed command value.