Abstract: A method of generating a robotic process plan for performing a process on a work structure includes a step of receiving input identifying a template corresponding to a plurality of geometric features of the work structure, each geometric feature associated with one or more robotic process elements. The method further includes a step of receiving input associating work structure data with the identified template. The method also includes a step of generating the robotic process plan based on the associated work structure data and the robotic process elements associate with the template.

Abstract: A removable robotic sensor assembly is removably coupled to a robotic arm having a work tool secured thereto. The removable robotic sensor assembly includes a sensor for obtaining data from a work piece. The removable robot sensor assembly further includes a gripper assembly coupled to the sensor. The gripper assembly operable to alternately couple to and decouple from at least one of the work tool and the robotic arm when said work tool is secured to the robotic arm. The gripper assembly and said sensor form a sensor assembly.

Abstract: An adaptive welding method and apparatus adjusts the amount of weld material deposited in a fillet weld based on gap width and gap orientation. The method includes the step of obtaining nominal area information identifying a nominal weld cross sectional area between a first plate and a second plate to be welded. The method further includes the step of obtaining gap width information identifying a width of a gap between the first plate and the second plate. The method still further includes the step of determining a supplemental area defining the cross sectional area in excess of the nominal weld cross sectional area, the determination based on the gap width information and a predetermined gap orientation. The method yet further includes the step of controlling one or more weld parameters based on the nominal area information and the determined supplemental area.

Abstract: A displacement sensor measures displacement or distance in a plurality of orthogonal directions. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an apparatus for determining a distance to an object. The apparatus includes a sensor housing, an optical source, an optical detector, and a means for selectively redirecting incident and reflected light. In particular, the optical source is affixed to the sensor housing and generates an incident light beam. The optical detector is also affixed to the sensor housing and detects a reflected light beam, said reflected light beam comprising a portion of the incident light beam reflected off of an object to be measured. The optical detector is further operable to generate an information signal containing information pertaining to one or more characteristics of the reflected light beam.

Abstract: An arrangement for aligning a first object relative to a second object, in which a light pattern is projected from the first object onto the second object. An image of the pattern on the second object is recorded with a camera mounted on the first object. From the camera image it is possible to determine the relative position and orientation of the second object relative to the first object. In an alternate arrangement, a first light pattern is projected from the first object onto the second object, and a second light pattern is projected from the first object onto the second object, so that the second patten and the first pattern form a uniquely identifiable overlap pattern when the second object is in predetermined alignment with respect to the first object. From a camera image which has recorded the overlapping patterns, the position and orientation of the second object may be determined relative to the first object.