New concept for higher Robot position accuracy during thermography measurement to be implemented with the existing prototype automated thermography end-effector utilising an industrial robot and laser system

This paper introduces the development of prototype robot based thermography measuring system and a new concept for higher robot position accuracy for industrial applications. The developed thermography system is mounted at the end-effector of an industrial robot. Furthermore, a platform for offline programming is introduced, which enables the identification of measurement positions and the optimal settings for the robot’s kinematic parameters. Many factors may affect the accuracy of created robot TCP positions and path planning. The new concept using thermography camera, which is also used for NDT, and a laser system helps to enhance the measurement position and orientation accuracy. The measuring position is projected with the laser system on the component and robot improves his orientation and position towards the given target through iteration process.