A processing system having at least one processor operatively coupled to at least one memory. The processor receives sensor data from the at least one sensor indicating one or more characteristics of the asset. The processor generates, updates, or maintains a digital representation that models the one or more characteristics of the asset. The processor detects a defect of the asset based at least in part on the one or more characteristics. The processor generate an output signal encoding or conveying instructions to provide a recommendation to an operator, to control the at least one robot to address the defect on the asset, or both, based on the defect and the digital representation of the asset.

A machining system includes a robot arm for changing a workpiece or inspecting a machined workpiece, and a probe that is attached to a distal end portion of the robot arm via a force sensor, where the robot arm is controlled such that the probe is arranged at a predetermined measurement position in contact with a side surface of a tool holder, where detection values of the force sensor are obtained over a predetermined period of time in a state where a main spindle is performing rotation operation, where an attached state of the tool holder is determined based on the detection values obtained over the predetermined period of time.

The invention disclosed herein describes a supervised autonomy system designed to precisely model, inspect and process the surfaces of complex three-dimensional objects. The current application context for this system is laser coating removal of aircraft, but this invention is suitable for use in a wide variety of applications that require close, precise positioning and maneuvering of an inspection or processing tool over the entire surface of a physical object. For example, this system, in addition to laser coating removal, could also apply new coatings, perform fine-grained or gross inspection tasks, deliver and/or use manufacturing process tools or instruments, and/or verify the results of other manufacturing processes such as but not limited to welding, riveting, or the placement of various surface markings or fixtures.

A robot serves for inspecting rotor blades of wind energy installations. A frame construction includes an inner opening surrounding a rotor blade during use and a plurality of propellers for a vertical flying movement of the robot. A rotor blade state detection system disposed at the frame construction detects the state of the rotor blades. Preferably a power and/or data cable is provided for connecting the robot during use to a control and evaluation station provided, for example, on the ground.

A method and apparatus for installing a fastener in a surface of a structure. A crawler robot may comprise a first movement system and a second movement system. The first movement system may be configured to move the crawler robot and a track system along the surface. The second movement system may be configured to move the crawler robot along the track system on the surface.

A device is described that includes a sensor portion and a chassis portion. The sensor portion includes a plurality of sensing devices. The chassis portion is connected to the sensor portion and includes a first track and a second track. The second track is positioned adjacent the first track. The first and second tracks cooperate to substantially cover an entire width of the chassis portion.

A robotic end effector quick change coupling apparatus employs a drive motor assembly having a center drive interface. A coupling component having a magnetic element extends from the drive motor assembly concentric with the center drive interface. An end effector tool has a drive connection adapted to removably receive the center drive interface. A mating coupling component having a mating magnetic element extends from the end effector tool concentric with the drive connection. The magnetic element and mating magnetic element are separably engaged by mutual magnetic attraction to couple the end effector to the drive motor assembly.

A robotic apparatus comprising an articulated arm mounted to a chassis and having an end effector capable of inspecting the root and tip, as well as the length between the root and tip, of an airfoil-shaped body (such as a rotorblade). The robotic apparatus has means for propelling the chassis in a spanwise direction. The chassis-mounted articulated arm facilitates the scanning of sensors over the root or tip of the airfoil-shaped body without repositioning the chassis.

An imaging inspection apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store a predetermined position between a first position and a second position as a signal output position, the predetermined position being set by using a distance from a reference position that is based on at least one of the first position and the second position; an image-capturing command signal generator configured to determine, when causing a distal end portion of a robot to move from the first position to the second position, whether or not the distal end portion of the robot is located at the signal output position, and if it is determined that the distal end portion of the robot is located at the signal output position, the image-capturing command signal generator transmits, to the image-capturing device, an image-capturing command signal for capturing an image of the inspection object by using the image-capturing device.

In an optical components automatic alignment robot, a motorized target moves closer or further from a digital camera being tested or assembled. A light sensor is used to automatically calibrate an ultraviolet (UV) or other light source used for curing adhesive. An automatic surface finder is used to accurately and repeatably find a surface on which adhesive is to be dispensed.