Abstract: An augmented reality visualization system is disclosed for viewing non-destructive inspection (NDI) data of a component. The system comprises a component camera configured to capture a real time image of the component, a component display configured to display an AR image of the component, and an AR controller including an augmented reality processor and a non-transitory tangible storage medium. The storage medium includes processor-executable instructions for controlling the AR processor when the instructions are executed by the AR processor. The instructions access the NDI data of the component and implement a component AR engine to generate the AR image in real time by overlaying the NDI data on the real time image. The AR engine is configured to detect one or more three-dimensional (3D) features of the component in the real-time image and generate the AR image based on the detected one or more features.

Abstract: A laser shearography end effector for inspection in an automated inspection and repair system for composite parts. A laser shearography system including an excitation system and a laser shearography camera is supported on a frame for movement with the frame. A slave tool changer is secured to the frame for releasably and operatively connecting the inspection tool to an industrial robot such that the industrial robot can move the inspection tool along a work piece as the laser shearography system inspects the work piece and such that the laser shearography end effector is interchangeable with at least one other automatic inspection end effector or repair end effector of the automated inspection and repair system.

Abstract: A surface analyst end effector for an automated inspection and repair system for composite parts. A surface analyst system and a tool changer are supported on a chassis. A control unit of the surface analyst system is configured to conduct a bond readiness test by which the control unit directs an inspection head to place a drop of liquid onto a surface of a composite part and directs the inspection head to capture an image of the drop on the surface. The slave tool changer releasably and operatively connects the end effector to an industrial robot such that the industrial robot can move the end effector along the composite part and the inspection and repair system can signal the surface analyst to conduct a bond readiness test. The surface analyst end effector is interchangeable with other end effectors of the inspection and repair system for performing inspection and repair methods.

Abstract: An autonomous or semi-autonomous cell for inspecting composite parts, verifying repairs made to such parts, and facilitating repairs to composite parts. The cell employs automated inspection, damage assessment, and repair systems. An industrial robot automatically attaches to a set of interchangeable inspection and repair end effectors to carry out the inspection, verification, and repair processes. The cell can be equipped with fixtures for supporting a rotorcraft blade and rotating the blade within the cell so that the robot can access the entire blade. Processes are provided for performing inspections, tracking the inspection data for parts in a database, and carrying out repairs. Over time, a software applicant can use the inspection data to train a machine learning model for recognizing damage to the composite part based on inspection images.

Abstract: An augmented reality visualization system is disclosed for viewing non-destructive inspection (NDI) data of a component. The system comprises a component camera configured to capture a real time image of the component, a component display configured to display an AR image of the component, and an AR controller including an augmented reality processor and a non-transitory tangible storage medium. The storage medium includes processor-executable instructions for controlling the AR processor when the instructions are executed by the AR processor. The instructions access the NDI data of the component and implement a component AR engine to generate the AR image in real time by overlaying the NDI data on the real time image. The AR engine is configured to detect one or more three-dimensional (3D) features of the component in the real-time image and generate the AR image based on the detected one or more features.

Abstract: An induction welder for inductively welding two or more components has an induction coil for applying a magnetic field to a weld site of the two or more components to inductively weld the two or more components together. The induction coil includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is positioned proximate the weld site of the two or more components to inductively weld the two or more components at the weld site. A press is disposed distally of the induction coil such that the press is disposed between the induction coil and the two or more components when the two or more components are being inductively welded together. The press is used to apply pressure to the two or more components and press the two or more components together at the weld site simultaneously with the application of the magnetic field at the weld site.