A method of detecting defects in a composite layup includes capturing, using an infrared camera, reference images of a reference layup being laid up by a reference layup head. The method also includes manually reviewing the reference images for defects, and generating reference defect masks indicating defects in the reference images. The method further includes training, using the reference images and reference defect masks, a neural network, creating a machine learning model that, given a production image as input, outputs a production defect mask indicating the defect location and the defect type of each defect. The method also includes capturing, using an infrared camera, production images of a production layup being laid up by the production layup head, and applying the model to the production images to automatically generate a production defect masks indicating each defect in the production images.

A method of detecting defects in a composite layup includes capturing, using an infrared camera, reference images of a reference layup being laid up by a reference layup head. The method also includes manually reviewing the reference images for defects, and generating reference defect masks indicating defects in the reference images. The method further includes training, using the reference images and reference defect masks, a neural network, creating a machine learning model that, given a production image as input, outputs a production defect mask indicating the defect location and the defect type of each defect. The method also includes capturing, using an infrared camera, production images of a production layup being laid up by the production layup head, and applying the model to the production images to automatically generate a production defect masks indicating each defect in the production images.

An autonomous or semi-autonomous cell for inspecting composite parts, verifying repairs made to such parts, and facilitating repairs to composite parts. The cell employs automated inspection, damage assessment, and repair systems. An industrial robot automatically attaches to a set of interchangeable inspection and repair end effectors to carry out the inspection, verification, and repair processes. The cell can be equipped with fixtures for supporting a rotorcraft blade and rotating the blade within the cell so that the robot can access the entire blade. Processes are provided for performing inspections, tracking the inspection data for parts in a database, and carrying out repairs. Over time, a software applicant can use the inspection data to train a machine learning model for recognizing damage to the composite part based on inspection images.

A surface disease repair system and method for an infrastructure based on climbing robots are provided. The system includes a detection and marking climbing robot and a repair climbing robot. In the process of moving on a surface of an infrastructure to be detected, the detection and marking climbing robot collects a front surface image in real time through a binocular camera arranged at a front end, detects a disease on the basis of the front surface image, and performs localization and map reconstruction at the same time; when a disease is detected, the position of the disease is recorded, and a marking device is controlled to mark the disease; after detection and marking are completed, the position of the disease and the map are sent to the repair climbing robot; and the repair climbing robot receives the map and the position of the disease, reaches the position of the disease, and repairs the disease according to the mark by using a repair device.

A surface disease repair system and method for an infrastructure based on climbing robots are provided. The system includes a detection and marking climbing robot and a repair climbing robot. In the process of moving on a surface of an infrastructure to be detected, the detection and marking climbing robot collects a front surface image in real time through a binocular camera arranged at a front end, detects a disease on the basis of the front surface image, and performs localization and map reconstruction at the same time; when a disease is detected, the position of the disease is recorded, and a marking device is controlled to mark the disease; after detection and marking are completed, the position of the disease and the map are sent to the repair climbing robot; and the repair climbing robot receives the map and the position of the disease, reaches the position of the disease, and repairs the disease according to the mark by using a repair device.

A method eliminates voids in the bond line and manipulates a thickness of the bond line. This method includes: applying an adhesive at a center of an area of a structure; placing a doubler on the adhesive over the area of the structure, wherein the doubler has a peripheral edge; and maintaining a negative pressure at the peripheral edge of the doubler while simultaneously maintaining a positive pressure at the doubler to purge entrapped gases and control a thickness of the bond line at the peripheral edge of the doubler.

A method eliminates voids in the bond line and manipulates a thickness of the bond line. This method includes: applying an adhesive at a center of an area of a structure; placing a doubler on the adhesive over the area of the structure, wherein the doubler has a peripheral edge; and maintaining a negative pressure at the peripheral edge of the doubler while simultaneously maintaining a positive pressure at the doubler to purge entrapped gases and control a thickness of the bond line at the peripheral edge of the doubler.

A curing lamp apparatus mounts to a work surface with a suction cup. A base is mounted to the suction cup and defines a hinge point for a first bar. At a distal end of the first bar, a second bar is hingedly mounted to the first bar. A first lamp element is hingedly mounted to one end of the second bar. A second lamp element is hingedly mounted to a second end of the second bar. The first and second lamp elements are positionable in a variety of positions to follow the path of a crack in a surface to be repaired. The lamp elements are also foldable into a storage position.

A curing lamp apparatus mounts to a work surface with a suction cup. A base is mounted to the suction cup and defines a hinge point for a first bar. At a distal end of the first bar, a second bar is hingedly mounted to the first bar. A first lamp element is hingedly mounted to one end of the second bar. A second lamp element is hingedly mounted to a second end of the second bar. The first and second lamp elements are positionable in a variety of positions to follow the path of a crack in a surface to be repaired. The lamp elements are also foldable into a storage position.

A device for repairing a damaged spot in a repair area of a glass pane includes an attachment portion, a repair portion, an excitation device and a control device. The attachment portion is configured to be releasably attached to a main surface of the glass pane. The repair portion is configured to repair the glass pane. The excitation device is configured to produce a periodic mechanical excitation and to couple the periodic mechanical excitation into the glass pane. The control device is configured to control the periodic mechanical excitation.