Increase productivity while obtaining better image accuracy with advanced robotic systems
26/06/2025
Efficiency, uptime and throughput are critical to maintaining a competitive edge in manufacturing. Advanced robotic systems, integrated with cutting-edge imaging systems and software, streamline inspection processes across a variety of industries. By combining component handling automation with precision, these systems enable seamless inspection workflows, reducing downtime and enhancing throughput.
Robotic inspection systems leverage robotic arms, gantry systems and automated components to deliver consistent and reliable results.
The integration of robotics and advanced imaging technology, such as digital radiography (DR) and X-ray computed tomography (CT), offers numerous technical benefits: automated systems provide consistent inspection quality, reducing human error and enhancing accuracy; continuous operation with minimal manual intervention ensures high productivity and increased uptime; imaging and analytics offer detailed insights into part quality, aiding decision-making and process optimisation; modular designs accommodate growing production needs and diverse application scenarios; and robotic and automated systems offer unparalleled data and metadata to help keep auditing of inspection programmes straightforward and easy with better traceability.
Robotic inspection systems therefore represent a significant advancement in non-destructive testing (NDT) and quality control. By combining automation with high-resolution imaging, these systems address the challenges of modern manufacturing, seeking to enhance reliability, safety and efficiency in their operations.
Robotic inspection systems find applications in a broad spectrum of industries, enhancing quality control and reliability. North Star Imaging (NSI)’s RobotiX systems are particularly useful in aerospace, where they are employed to inspect critical components such as turbine blades, composites and structural assemblies. Advanced X-ray and CT imaging detects internal flaws, including cracks, porosity and inclusions, ensuring the safety and integrity of vital parts.
In addition, automotive manufacturers use robotic inspection systems for quality assurance in components such as engines, batteries and electronic assemblies. These systems help ensure compliance with stringent industry standards while reducing the risk of defects.
North Star Imaging’s RobotiX systems are designed with precision and flexibility in mind. These systems combine robotic loaders and manipulators with NSI’s powerful X-ray (DR) and CT technology. The result is seamless integration into production lines and reduced cycle times, increased productivity and better imaging for complex parts.
RobotiX part loaders allow for automatic part loading and unloading for reduced cycle times and increased productivity.
Set-up, operation and motion control of NSI’s RobotiX part loaders are effortlessly created through the efX-DR acquisition software. By having this all in a single software interface, operators do not have to learn additional software programs, saving companies valuable time and money.
The systems also incorporate safety fences with sliding gates for all RobotiX loaders, protecting workers and reducing liability.
NSI’s RobotiX manipulators allow parts to be scanned more quickly for reduced cycle times and increased productivity.
Scanning parts with complex geometries can require obtaining scans from different angles. If carried out manually, someone is required to reposition parts and possibly change out fixtures. Time is wasted each time the X-ray tube shuts off and the door must open and close. The RobotiX part manipulators can eliminate wasted time by repositioning parts as needed for each scan.
The Dual RobotiX precision technology features two robot arms working together to scan large parts. RobotiX set-up, operation and motion programs are created through NSI’s efX-DR acquisition software, allowing the operator to program the robot and configure the image acquisition parameters all through a single simple interface. Operators can utilise the Dual RobotiX system to X-ray inspect large parts using six degrees of motion at any given point. This results in image accuracy, less complex fixturing and faster turnaround times.
When combined with assisted defect recognition (ADR) software, the RobotiX solutions can significantly automate the X-ray inspection process and allow the technicians and engineers to focus on method and procedure development, design work and making tough calls rather than repetitive, tedious review. This is more important than ever in a tight job market where human capital is at a premium.
NSI is an industry-leading company at the forefront of digital radiography and computed tomography technology. With a relentless commitment to innovation, NSI is said to have revolutionised NDT and inspection solutions for diverse applications.
