AMRC experts using robotics to test plane parts

The automated visual inspection technology looks for defects in the complex metallic components made for industries like aerospace and medical.

And Canadian automation specialists AV&R are working with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre to develop the new system.

Senior project engineer Harry Burroughes, from the AMRC’s Integrated Manufacturing Group, said: “The assurance of high quality is essential for a complex component to meet expected performance levels.

“The development of this system will make quality testing more efficient, more repeatable and allow manufacturers to increase their testing capacity, speeding up the overall manufacturing process.”

The AV&R system uses a robot to handle a component — lit from various angles — and rotated in front of a camera to gather data from its surface.

Philippe Masson, the firm’s strategic partnerships manager, said: “The system focuses on the inspection of small surface defects, with our main market being within aerospace.

“Our new capability of inspecting different type of parts was the catalyst for discussions with the AMRC about future automated visual inspection tests.

“Together, we are exploring latest technologies for a human operator to review the machine’s results with augmented reality.”