Robotic non-destructive inspection

Automation of non-destructive testing (NDT) of engineering components and structures represents one of the strategic objectives of many industries. It enables increases in accuracy, precision and speed of inspection while reducing production time and associated labour costs in contrast to manual inspection. The use of robots can provide additional flexibility and autonomy to automated NDT. Automated robotic inspection can be beneficial in diverse industrial scenarios ranging from integration of NDT into the manufacturing process of components with very complex geometry, such as gears, to periodical in-service overhaul of large structures (for instance, in petrochemical and aerospace industries). In this work we present an application of a six degree of freedom robotic positioner (KUKA KR5 Arc HW) for automated NDT by means of multiple inspection techniques. We investigate the potentials for automated toolpath generation and future potential for improving path trajectory through real time measurement of tool position. (2012) by the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing. All rights reserved.