Abstract: A clearance sensor system is provided for use in moving first and second articles and includes a driving element disposed to drive and manipulate the first article relative to the second article, a plurality of sensors arrayed about at least the second article to generate real-time readings of physical separation of the first and second articles and a controller operably coupled to the driving element and the plurality of sensors. The controller is configured to facilitate an execution of real-time or quasi-dynamic control of a driving of the first article by the driving element in accordance with the readings of the physical separation between the first and second articles provided by the plurality of sensors, and a post-processing of data relating to the real-time or quasi-dynamic control of the driving and the manipulation of the first article by the driving element.