Enabling robot adaptive behaviours for ndt inspections in dynamic contexts
A step change in the methods of inspection and measurement data, collected through robotic systems, is required to enable the next generation of intelligent systems to penetrate the manufacturing and construction industries. Dr Carmelo Mineo is an expert in state-of-the-art robotic ultrasonic inspection systems and in advanced software and graphical user interfaces. The project will allow a new generation of integrated robotic approaches for inspection of industrial production. As a member of the Department of Industrial and Digital Innovation (DIID), and through collaboration with supervisor Prof Donatella Cerniglia, Dr Mineo seeks to address a technology gap between research and industrial exploitation. His work will facilitate the migration of fundamental research, developed by the University of Palermo, towards higher technology readiness levels. The aim is to automate promising quality assessment techniques, in which DIID has a strong international reputation, using robotic manipulators. Although there are some examples of robotic inspection systems, developed by others, it is necessary to improve sensor integration, data fusion and enable real-time data processing, in order to fulfil the real meaning of autonomy and decision making in manufacturing. The proposed research is aligned with the requirements set by the nascent Industry 4.0. A two-month secondment phase, at a growing company (RECENDT, Austria), will increase the researcher’s cross-sectorial experience. The project includes vibrant opportunities of knowledge transfer and training for the development of the researcher and the hosts as well as clear plans to disseminate the project outcomes to different audiences.