Abstract: A method of performing an automated non-destructive examination of a composite structure includes identifying surface damage on the composite structure, coupling an automated tap tester device to a surface of the composite structure at a location of the surface damage, and performing, with the automated tap tester device, a plurality of tapping impacts on the surface within a testing area that encapsulates the surface damage. The method also includes receiving a plurality of acoustic signals associated with the plurality of tapping impacts, modeling sub-surface damage associated with the surface damage based on an analysis of the plurality of acoustic signals.

Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing adhesive between a first part and a second part comprises a nozzle body. The nozzle body comprises a first-part engagement surface. The nozzle body also comprises a second-part engagement surface, contiguous with the first-part engagement surface and defining an engagement-surface angle, greater than 0° and less than 180°, with a virtual plane, coincident with the first-part engagement surface. The nozzle body further comprises a nozzle-body outlet port, formed in the second-part engagement surface. The nozzle body additionally comprises a nozzle-body inlet port, formed in the first-part engagement surface. The nozzle also comprises a separator plate, coupled with and extending from the nozzle body.

Abstract: An end effector, for adhesively attaching a first part to a second part, comprises a support, a first nozzle, movable relative to the support, and a second nozzle, movable relative to the support. The first nozzle comprises a first-nozzle-body outlet port and a first-nozzle separator plate. The second nozzle comprises a second-nozzle-body outlet port and a second-nozzle separator plate. The end effector additionally comprises a first ultrasonic-sensor roller that is rotatable relative to the support, translationally fixed relative to support, and located between the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The end effector also comprises a second ultrasonic-sensor roller that is rotatable relative to the support, translationally fixed relative to support, and located between the first ultrasonic-sensor roller and the second nozzle.

Abstract: An end effector, for adhesively attaching a first part to a second part, comprises a support and a first nozzle, coupled to the support and movable relative to the support, and a second nozzle, coupled to the support and movable relative to the support. The first nozzle comprises a first-nozzle body, comprising a first-nozzle-body outlet port and a first-nozzle separator plate, extending from the first-nozzle body. The second nozzle comprises a second-nozzle body, comprising a second-nozzle-body inlet port and a second-nozzle separator plate, extending from the second-nozzle body. The end effector further comprises a roller, coupled to the support, rotatable relative to the support about a roller axis, and located between the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

Abstract: An end effector, for adhesively attaching a first part to a second part, comprises a support, a first nozzle, movable relative to the support, and a second nozzle, movable relative to the support. The first nozzle comprises a first-nozzle-body outlet port and a first-nozzle separator plate. The second nozzle comprises a second-nozzle-body outlet port and a second-nozzle separator plate. The end effector additionally comprises a first ultrasonic-sensor roller that is rotatable relative to the support and located between the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The end effector also comprises a second ultrasonic-sensor roller that is rotatable relative to the support and located between the first ultrasonic-sensor roller and the second nozzle.

Abstract: An example system for in-situ inspection of a composite structure includes a surface-strain imaging apparatus and a controller. The surface-strain imaging apparatus is configured to image an area of an outer surface of the composite structure while a temperature of the composite structure warms to thermal equilibrium with a surrounding environment and a temperature gradient exists within the composite structure. The controller includes a processor and a memory, and is configured to detect, using data received from the surface-strain imaging apparatus, an out-of-plane displacement of the outer surface in the area caused by the temperature gradient. The controller is also configured to determine that the out-of-plane displacement satisfies a threshold condition and, based on determining that the out-of-plane displacement satisfies the threshold condition, flag the area of the outer surface for further inspection.

Abstract: A method for navigating a sensor-equipped mobile platform through an through an environment to a destination, the method including: capturing a first image in a first state of illumination; capturing a second image in a second state of illumination; generating a difference image from said first image and said second image; locating an imaging target based on said difference image, said imaging target including a machine-readable code embedded therein, said machine-readable code including navigation vector data; extracting said navigation vector data from said machine-readable code; and using said extracted navigation vector data to direct the navigation of the mobile platform through the environment to a destination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking the location of a non-destructive inspection (NDI) scanner using scan data converted into images of a target object. Scan images are formed by aggregating successive scan strips acquired using one or two one-dimensional sensor arrays. An image processor computes a change in location of the NDI scanner relative to a previous location based on the respective positions of common features in partially overlapping scan images. The performance of the NDI scanner tracking system is enhanced by: (1) using depth and intensity filtering of the scan image data to differentiate features for improved landmark identification during real-time motion control; and (2) applying a loop-closure technique using scan image data to correct for drift in computed location. The enhancements are used to improve localization, which enables better motion control and coordinate accuracy for NDI scan data.

Abstract: Extended reality systems, apparatus, and methods for musculoskeletal ergonomic improvement are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an avatar generator to generate an avatar based one or more properties of a user; an avatar position analyzer to determine a first ergonomic form for a movement based on the one or more properties of the user, the avatar generator to cause an output device to display the avatar in the first ergonomic form; and a feedback generator to determine a second form associated with movement of the user based on sensor data collected via one or more sensors associated with the user; generate a graphical representation of the user in the second form; and cause the output device to display the graphical representation of the user with the avatar.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for musculoskeletal ergonomic improvement are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a performance analyzer to predict a musculoskeletal strain event for a portion of a body of a user based on strain sensor data collected via one or more strain sensors associated with the user and transmit, in response to the prediction of the strain event, an instruction including an alert to be output by the output device. The example apparatus includes an ergonomic form recommendation generator to transmit, in response to the prediction of the strain event, an instruction including an ergonomic form measure to be output by the output device.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for high-traffic density transportation pathways. An example system includes a convoy moving at a first speed, the convoy including a first and second powertrain vehicle, a first land vehicle disposed between the first powertrain vehicle and the second powertrain vehicle, the first land vehicle including a first transit carrier, and a second land vehicle coupled to the first land vehicle, the second land vehicle including a second transit carrier having a first movement system and first stacking couplers, and a transit pod coupled to the second transit carrier, the transit pod having second stacking couplers, the second stacking couplers coupled to the first stacking couplers, and a controller to, in response to a request for a third transit carrier traveling at a second speed to join the convoy, instruct the third transit carrier to join the convoy at the first speed.

Abstract: A method for wirelessly coupling respective transducers of an automated motion platform and a sub-surface sensor node through a skin of a limited-access structure for the purpose of wireless power and data transfer. Coordinates of an as-designed position of the transducer of the sensor node in a local coordinate system of the limited-access structure are retrieved from a non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium. Then coordinates of a target position on an external surface of the skin of the limited-access structure are estimated. The target position is calculated to be aligned with the as-designed position of the transducer of the sensor node. The motion platform is moved under computer control so that the transducer onboard the motion platform moves toward the target position. Movement ceases when the transducer onboard the motion platform is at the target position. Then wave energy is transferred between the aligned transducers.

Abstract: Methods comprise generating an electric field; encompassing fibers within the electric to orient the fibers in a desired orientation relative to each other; and subsequent to the encompassing, fixing the fibers in the desired orientation within a matrix material to at least partially create a composite part.

Abstract: Wearable ergonomics improvement systems and related methods are disclosed. An example ergonomics improvement system includes a membrane including a first frame having a plurality of first cutouts defining a first pattern. The system includes a sensor coupled to the membrane and includes a second frame having a plurality of second cutouts defining a second pattern. The first pattern is complementary to the second pattern.

Abstract: Ergonomics improvement systems having wearable sensors and related methods. An example ergonomics improvement system includes an encoder system to couple to a limb of a body. The encoder sensor system to generate first outputs in response to movement of the limb relative to the body to determine a position of the limb relative to the body. The system includes a load sensor to generate a second output representative of a load carried by the body and a position sensor to generate a third output representative of a position of a right foot of the body relative to a position of a left foot of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of measuring a gap between exterior structures and interior structures. The method comprises directing a transmitted m-wave signal from an exterior surface of the exterior structure into the exterior structure and the interior structure. The transmitted m-wave signal is generated by a gap sensing device that comprises an electromagnetic dual-tuned resonant coil sensor. The method also comprises measuring a received m-wave signal with the gap sensing device. The received m-wave signal comprises the transmitted m-wave signal influenced by the assembly. The method further comprises determining a size of the gap between the exterior structure and the interior structure based at least partially on at least one measured characteristic of the received m-wave signal.

Abstract: A method of forming parts uses a forming tool having a forming surface, and an ultrasonic transducer array on the forming surface.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a structure during additive manufacturing of the structure and additive manufacturing systems are presented. An additive manufacturing system comprises additive manufacturing equipment comprising a casing and an additive manufacturing head configured to form a plurality of layers of a structure within the casing; and an x-ray backscatter imaging system configured to send an x-ray beam into a structure formed within the additive manufacturing equipment and detect scattered x-rays for imaging and analysis of the structure during fabrication.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for acquiring surface profile information (e.g., depths at multiple points) from limited-access structures and objects using an autonomous or remotely operated flying platform (such as an unmanned aerial vehicle). The systems proposed herein use a profilometer to measure the profile of an area on a surface where visual inspection has indicated that the surface has a potential anomaly. After the system has gathered data representing the surface profile in the area containing the potential anomaly, a determination may be made whether the collected image data indicates that the structure or object should be repaired or may be used as is.

Abstract: A reinforced sandwich panel, including two skin panels; a foam core disposed between the two skin panels; and an expandable framework disposed within the foam core.