Collaborative Robot for Aircraft Visual Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated visual inspection systems for aircraft lack the interpretive capabilities of human operators, leading to potential safety issues and certification challenges due to the inability to handle new or complex situations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A collaborative robot system that includes a mobile platform with a turret carrying viewing means, processing means to guide the robot, and a control center for remote operator assistance, allowing autonomous movement and inspection, anomaly detection, and non-destructive testing, with features like GPS, laser telemeters, and image processing algorithms for 3D shape determination and anomaly identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated visual inspection systems are used, then productivity and consistency are improved, but the system lacks interpretive capabilities and reliability for handling new or complex situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control center with remote operators as an intermediary between the automated inspection robot and the final safety certification decision. The robot autonomously performs inspections and detects anomalies, then transmits data to the control center where human operators review and interpret the findings. This hybrid approach combines the productivity of automation with the reliability of human judgment for safety-critical decisions.
2Reliability
If fully automated inspection is implemented, then human error is eliminated, but the system cannot handle new or uninventoried situations that require interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into two distinct functional components: an autonomous robot performing standardized inspection tasks with consistent methodology, and a human control center handling interpretive analysis of detected anomalies. This segmentation allows each component to excel at its specialized function while working together as an integrated system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If human operators perform visual inspection, then interpretive capability is maintained, but unpredictability and human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where the autonomous robot provides structured inspection data to the control center, and the control center provides feedback on anomaly interpretations that can refine future inspections. This feedback mechanism allows human interpretive capabilities to guide the automated system while maintaining consistent inspection procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for visually inspecting the external surfaces of an aircraft includes an inspection area to receive an aircraft, at least one visual inspection robot, and a control center. A movable platform of the robot supports a turret having an observation unit. The robot includes a processing unit which guides the movable platform and process the data received from the observation unit. The processing unit of the robot are configured to autonomously control the robot during the visual inspection of the external surfaces of the aircraft parked in the inspection area; to interrupt a visual inspection in the event of a detection of an anomaly on the external surface of the aircraft; to transmit a visual inspection data to the control center; and to receive instructions from the control center.