Abstract: A system and apparatus for navigating and tracking a robotic platform includes a non-contact velocity sensor module set positioned on the robotic platform for measuring a velocity of the robotic platform relative to a target surface. The non-contact velocity sensor module set may include a coherent light source that is emitted towards the target surface and reflected back to the coherent light source. Measuring the change in intensity of the reflected coherent light source may be used to determine the velocity of the robotic platform based on the its relationship with the principles of a Doppler frequency shift. A communication unit may also be utilized to transmit data collected from the non-contact velocity sensor set to a computer for data processing. A computer is then provided on the robotic platform to process data collected from the non-contact velocity sensor set.

Abstract: Profilometers for industrial metrology and other applications are described. A line is projected on a surface to be profiled. The line is scanned to build a three dimensional point cloud allowing the three-dimensional (3D) profile of the surface to be determined. In some embodiments, the line is projected by a laser system. In other embodiments, the line is projected by a digital micromirror device (DMD). In still further embodiments, multiple lines, or other patterns are projected.