An Internet-Based Quality Control Laboratory via Integration of Remote Robotic Operation and Nondestructive Ultrasound Evaluation
This paper discusses the integration of a remote robot laboratory with nondestructive ultrasound evaluation (NDE) experiments. A remotely automated quality inspection system is designed to analyze dimensions as well as detect internal flaws of parts via an Internet-based NDE system. The remote quality inspection system includes: Internet controllable robot via Ethernet connection, multiple Web-cameras, Ultrasonic Automatic Flaw Detector, LabVIEW module, and computers with Internet access capable of remote connection. The uniqueness of the project lies in making this process Internet-based and remote robot operated. An Internet-based procedure such as the one we are developing will allow industrial companies involved in NDE procedures to increase productivity and profits by allowing an employee to monitor multiple operations over the Internet without having to be at a specified location. In addition, the utilization of remotely controlled robots for educational purposes is expected to increase the degree of immersive presence of the students engaging in such Internet-based laboratory exercises as well as the level of online interactivity between the faculty and students.