Computer Aided Robotic Welding (CAR-W)

Objective:

Develop software algorithms for high impact weld types centered on robot reachability, collision avoidance and auto-path generation kinematics that use electronic CAD Model and Welding Process Planning data.

Summary:

The Computer Aided Robotics – Welding (CAR-W) project focused on automating the time-intensive process of robot programming for welding, to enable cost-effective utilization of robotic automation for one-off and high-mix/low-volume production in the defense and commercial shipbuilding industries.

The project team approached this challenge by developing enhancements to three core technology platforms that enabled simple, rapid programming of robots for highly complex welded assemblies. These enhancements included:

• Generation of robot-class 3D model and welding specification exports from the ShipConstructor CAD platform
• Development of automated robot path planning and collision avoidance software including support for large robot systems with many axes of freedom
• Development of robot-class weld procedure database to enable automatic weld process selection and welding program generation

Key Deliverables:

Request Final Report form NSRP– Limited Distribution Authorized to U.S. Shipyards and NSRP ASE Program Representatives.

POINT OF CONTACT: Brent Tompkins| Bollinger Shipyards, LLC | brentt@bollingershipyards.com