Robotic system for remote visual inspection of assets

Abstract

A robotic system for remote visual inspection of assets comprises a mobile ground platform, a multi-degree-of-freedom articulated robotic assembly, at least one visual sensor assembly, a processing unit, and a controller. The robotic assembly positions and orients the sensor relative to an asset, component, or region of interest spatially separated from the platform. The system acquires and processes visual information during at least part of the platform's movement relative to the asset, enabling the identification and / or tracking of observed elements. The controller actuates the robotic assembly to modify the sensor's position and / or orientation during the inspection and to perform successive visual acquisitions when the spatial relationship between the platform and the asset changes. Processing can be performed locally and integrate positioning information to associate the acquisitions and their results with the inspected asset.