Abstract: A system for performing a polishing operation on a component is disclosed, the system comprising a robot, a fixture, a mount system for attaching the fixture to a robotic arm and a drive system mounted on the fixture for driving a polishing tool such that the location of the point of contact of the polishing tool with respect to the component is maintained constant during the polishing operation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an interchangeable fixture is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of making components of the fixture, selecting a reference component, the reference component having a constant geometric dimensional relationship with a system for controlling movements of a tool having a tool center point, making an intermediate assembly comprising the components of the fixture and the reference component, creating a first locating feature on the intermediate assembly and creating a second locating feature on a tool support relative to the tool center point, and assembling the tool support and the intermediate assembly such that the first locating feature and the second locating feature engage correspondingly.

Abstract: A system for performing a polishing operation on a component is disclosed, the system comprising a robot, a fixture, a mount system for attaching the fixture to a robotic arm and a drive system mounted on the fixture for driving a polishing tool such that the location of the point of contact of the polishing tool with respect to the component is maintained constant during the polishing operation.