Design and implementation of robot-assisted systems for non-destructive testing

With wide application of new materials, structures, and technologies in modern industry, testing objects were no longer limited to conventional materials and common shapes. Demands of testing new materials and complex shapes bring challenges to researchers in non-destructive testing area. Combining robots, which have been widely used in industry, with the non-destructive testing technology can replace manual operation and improve testing precision. Additionally, the robot-assisted systems can enhance efficiency and safety of the testing process. The researchers have carried out numerous designs and implementations to combine robots with non-destructive testing devices. This article presents four non-destructive testing systems with robot, including single-arm robot holding a transducer, single-arm robot holding a tested part, and twin-arm robot holding two transducers. In conclusion, application scopes are analyzed to help users select appropriate systems according to sizes, materials and defect types.