The metallic parts during the manufacturing process require surface preparation using grinding and polishing methods. It can be local or complete machining. Local most often concerns the surface preparation of welded joints and complete includes preparation of the entire surface of element.
The automation process of grinding and polishing is easier the simpler the element geometry is. It remains challenging to polish large complex surfaces. Polishing is predominantly done manually which is very time consuming, expensive. More importantly is that, it can be a safety hazard for human operators who use hand-held devices in a hazardous area.
The scientists from the Intelligent Control Lab, which is the part of the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University (PA, USA), proposed solution to save human health and let the robot prepare the surface of complex metallic parts.
We propose the assembly of a robot capable of polishing complex and relatively large surface areas of complex free form fabricated parts. By developing this robot for a complex and potentially un-safe operation, this application will lower the technical, operational, and economic barriers for companies to adopt robotic technologies.
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