Cobot enables CAD-free materials inspection path planning
CAMX 2025: Rooted in simplifying complexity, LoneStar NDE Innovations’ Orion inspection tool is made to be rapidly deployable and intuitive, overcoming traditional inspection processes.
Source | LoneStar NDE Innovations
(LSNDE, Waco, Texas, U.S.) blends software and hardware to redefine the future of inspection technology for advanced material systems like composites and bonded structures. In its commitment to simplify complexity — providing CAD-free inspection path planning that enables seamless operations — LSNDE highlights Orion, a collaborative robotic (cobot) inspection system.
Orion is designed to complement human expertise, ensuring that every endeavor is productive and intuitive. The LSDNE cobot is rapidly deployable (<10 min set up), fast (up to 40 in/sec) and provides intuitive results (3D C-scans for rapid decision-making).
A 3D depth camera, novel path planning software and novel sensor end effectors for ultrasonics and bond testing make the inspection setup, process of inspecting and disposition streamlined. Data is archived in open data HDF5 format that can be analyzed using the LSNDE analysis tools or with custom algorithms that the user may already have.
Orion is designed for full life cycle support of a component. It is well suited to R&D stages when engineers and inspectors want to learn about their manufacturing process to drive improvements. The inspection tool can then be scaled to support production, and the system form factor can be modified to provide in-service capabilities.
According to LSNDE, solutions like Orion overcome labor-intensive manual inspection, excessive time delays and issues with not having access to engineering drawings or CAD for the components being inspected. Rather, Orion provides scalable and rapidly deployable inspection capability without engineering drawings or CADs; Orion can simply be positioned near the structure to begin the inspection process.
Related Content
-
Maximize your experience: CAMX 2025 exhibit previews, Part 1
This list of 90+ exhibitor previews solicited by CW offers a glimpse into the various technologies, emerging trends and solutions attendees should look for on the CAMX show floor.
-
Automated RTM, SQRTM enhance aerospace composites serial production transition
CAMX 2025: Coexpair, in partnership with Radius Engineering, combines equipment development and fabrication with engineering of composite parts, demonstrated in its European customer support, deliveries.
-
Exacting chemistry streamlines composite surface prep
CAMX 2025: Hawkeye Industries exhibits Duratec, Styrosafe, Styroshield and Aqua-Buff brands for optimal composites coating, compounds and polish solutions options.