Development of an Intelligent System for Flame Straightening Panel Structures -- Devices and Algorithms to be Used With Robots (the National Shipbuilding Research Program)

Abstract : Distortions which occur during the assembly of steel panel structures can be removed by flame straightening. This has been used for a number of years in the shipbuilding industry. Correct skill to perform this technique is acquired by many years of experience. The industry is concerned now about the decreasing number of skilled workers. What is needed to improve the situation is to develop a robot capable of not necessarily replacing a human worker but helping a human worker. This paper discusses results obtained thus far in a research program of which the ultimate objective is to develop an intelligent machine capable of performing flame straightening on a deck of a ship superstructure. Discussions are given on (a) a concept of an algorithm to determine heating conditions, and (b) sensors needed for "in-process" sensing and controlling the robot movements.