Abstract: A sensor interface module for an inspection robot includes a scissor lift for varied radial positioning of, and a universal sensor mount for mounting, a selected one of a plurality of different sensors. A visual inspection module for the robot includes an inspection unit for simultaneously visually inspecting a first surface facing a first direction and a spaced, second surface facing an opposing, second direction toward the first surface. The inspection unit includes a first visual sensor and a second visual sensor, each visual sensor facing in a direction different than the first and second directions. A first reflector reflects an image of the first surface to the first visual sensor, and a second reflector reflects an image of the second surface to the second visual sensor. A robot system may include the sensor interface module and the inspection unit.

Abstract: A traction module for a robot system and a robot system using the traction module having, an outer frame and a rotating frame rotatably mounted within the outer frame. A drive system is operatively coupled to the rotating frame and configured to drive a traction drive component to propel the robot. An actuator is operatively connected to the rotating frame to controllably rotate the rotating frame. During a first portion of a rotating movement of the rotating frame, the drive system moves between a flat mode position relative to the outer frame and a clearance mode position in which the drive system extends outwardly from the outer frame to a greater extent than in the first position. During a second portion of the rotating movement of the rotating frame, the drive system may be positioned in a desired orientation to propel the robot.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for an actuated sensor module for in situ gap inspection robots. A mounting interface attaches to the sensor module to the robot system. A least one arm is operatively connected to the mounting interface and has a joint. A sensor head is operatively connected to the arm at the joint and an actuator operatively connected to the arm moves the sensor head around the second joint.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and components for an omnidirectional traction module for use in a robot, such as a crawler robot used in in situ gap inspection in a machine, such as a generator, an electric motor, or a turbomachine. The traction module may include an outer frame and a rotating frame rotatably mounted within the outer frame. At least one drive system may be mounted within the rotating frame. The at least one dive system may have a fixed orientation within the rotating frame. An actuator may be operatively connected to the rotating frame to controllably rotate the rotating frame to a desired orientation for robot travel.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and components for an omnidirectional traction module for use in a robot, such as a crawler robot used in in situ gap inspection in a machine, such as a generator, an electric motor, or a turbomachine. The traction module may include an outer frame and a rotating frame rotatably mounted within the outer frame. At least one drive system may be mounted within the rotating frame. The at least one dive system may have a fixed orientation within the rotating frame. An actuator may be operatively connected to the rotating frame to controllably rotate the rotating frame to a desired orientation for robot travel.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for an actuated sensor module for in situ gap inspection robots. A mounting interface attaches to the sensor module to the robot system. A least one arm is operatively connected to the mounting interface and has a joint. A sensor head is operatively connected to the arm at the joint and an actuator operatively connected to the arm moves the sensor head around the second joint.