System and method for configuring an inspection robot for inspecting an inspection surface

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/863,594, filed Apr. 30, 2020, entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF AN INSPECTION SCHEME FOR AN INSPECTION ROBOT.”

[0002] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/863,594 is a continuation of PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US20/21779, filed Mar. 9, 2020, entitled “INSPECTION ROBOT.”

[0003] PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US20/21779, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/853,391, filed Dec. 22, 2017, entitled “INSPECTION ROBOT WITH COUPLANT CHAMBER DISPOSED WITHIN SLED FOR ACOUSTIC COUPLING.”

[0004] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/853,391 claims the benefit of priority to the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applications: Ser. No. 62/438,788, filed Dec. 23, 2016, entitled “STRUCTURE TRAVERSING ROBOT WITH INSPECTION FUNCTIONALITY”; and Ser. No. 62/596,737, filed Dec. 8, 2017, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS TO INSPECT A SURFACE UTILIZING REAL-TIME POSITION INFORMATION”.

[0005] PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US20/21779, claims the benefit of priority to the following U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/815,724, filed Mar. 8, 2019, entitled “INSPECTION ROBOT.”

[0006] Each of the foregoing applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to robotic inspection and treatment of industrial surfaces.

[0008] Previously known inspection and treatment systems for industrial surfaces suffer from a number of drawbacks. Industrial surfaces are often required to be inspected to determine whether a pipe wall, tank surface, or other industrial surface feature has suffered from corrosion, degradation, loss of a coating, damage, wall thinning or wear, or other undesirable aspects. Industrial surfaces are often present within a hazardous location—for example in an environment with heavy operating equipment, operating at high temperatures, in a confined environment, at a high elevation, in the presence of high voltage electricity, in the presence of toxic or noxious gases, in the presence of corrosive liquids, and/or in the presence of operating equipment that is dangerous to personnel. Accordingly, presently known systems require that a system be shutdown, that a system be operated at a reduced capacity, that stringent safety procedures be followed (e.g., lockout/tagout, confined space entry procedures, harnessing, etc.), and/or that personnel are exposed to hazards even if proper procedures are followed. Additionally, the inconvenience, hazards, and/or confined spaces of personnel entry into inspection areas can result in inspections that are incomplete, of low resolution, that lack systematic coverage of the inspected area, and/or that are prone to human error and judgement in determining whether an area has been properly inspected.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for systems and methods of inspecting an inspecting an inspection surface with an improved inspection robot. Example embodiments include modular drive assemblies that are selectively coupled to a chassis of the inspection robot, wherein each drive assembly may have distinct wheels suited to different types of inspection surfaces. Other embodiments include payloads selectively couplable to the inspection robot chassis via universal connectors that provide for the exchange of couplant, electrical power and/or data communications. The payload may each have different sensor configurations suited for interrogating different types of inspection surfaces.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide for improved customer responsiveness by generating interactive inspection maps that depict past, present and/or predicted inspection data of an inspection surface. In embodiments, the inspection maps may be transmitted and displayed on user electronic devices and may provide for control of the inspection robot during an inspection run.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide for an inspection robot with improved environmental capabilities. For example, some embodiments have features for operating in hostile environments, e.g., high temperature environments. Such embodiments may include low operational impact capable cooling systems.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide for an inspection robot having an improved, e.g., reduced, footprint which may further provide for increased climbing of inclined and/or vertical inspection surfaces. The reduced footprint of certain embodiments may also provide for inspection robots having improve the horizontal range due to reduced weight.

[0234] The present disclosure relates to a system developed for traversing, climbing, or otherwise traveling over walls (curved or flat), or other industrial surfaces. Industrial surfaces, as described herein, include any tank, pipe, housing, or other surface utilized in an industrial environment, including at least heating and cooling pipes, conveyance pipes or conduits, and tanks, reactors, mixers, or containers. In certain embodiments, an industrial surface is ferromagnetic, for example including iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, and alloys thereof. In certain embodiments, an industrial surface is not ferromagnetic.

[0235] Certain descriptions herein include operations to inspect a surface, an inspection robot or inspection device, or other descriptions in the context of performing an inspection. Inspections, as utilized herein, should be understood broadly. Without limiting any other disclosures or embodiments herein, inspection operations herein include operating one or more sensors in relation to an inspected surface, electromagnetic radiation inspection of a surface (e.g., operating a camera) whether in the visible spectrum or otherwise (e.g., infrared, UV, X-Ray, gamma ray, etc.), high-resolution inspection of the surface itself (e.g., a laser profiler, caliper, etc.), performing a repair operation on a surface, performing a cleaning operation on a surface, and/or marking a surface for a later operation (e.g., for further inspection, for repair, and/or for later analysis). Inspection operations include operations for a payload carrying a sensor or an array of sensors (e.g. on sensor sleds) for measuring characteristics of a surface being traversed such as thickness of the surface, curvature of the surface, ultrasound (or ultra-sonic) measurements to test the integrity of the surface and/or the thickness of the material forming the surface, heat transfer, heat profile/mapping, profiles or mapping any other parameters, the presence of rust or other corrosion, surface defects or pitting, the presence of organic matter or mineral deposits on the surface, weld quality and the like. Sensors may include magnetic induction sensors, acoustic sensors, laser sensors, LIDAR, a variety of image sensors, and the like. The inspection sled may carry a sensor for measuring characteristics near the surface being traversed such as emission sensors to test for gas leaks, air quality monitoring, radioactivity, the presence of liquids, electro-magnetic interference, visual data of the surface being traversed such as uniformity, reflectance, status of coatings such as epoxy coatings, wall thickness values or patterns, wear patterns, and the like. The term inspection sled may indicate one or more tools for repairing, welding, cleaning, applying a treatment or coating the surface being treated. Treatments and coatings may include rust proofing, sealing, painting, application of a coating, and the like. Cleaning and repairing may include removing debris, sealing leaks, patching cracks, and the like. The term inspection sled, sensor sled, and sled may be used interchangeably throughout the present disclosure.

[0236] In certain embodiments, for clarity of description, a sensor is described in certain contexts throughout the present disclosure, but it is understood explicitly that one or more tools for repairing, cleaning, and/or applying a treatment or coating to the surface being treated are likewise contemplated herein wherever a sensor is referenced. In certain embodiments, where a sensor provides a detected value (e.g., inspection data or the like), a sensor rather than a tool may be contemplated, and/or a tool providing a feedback value (e.g., application pressure, application amount, nozzle open time, orientation, etc.) may be contemplated as a sensor in such contexts.

[0237] Inspections are conducted with a robotic system 100 (e.g., an inspection robot, a robotic vehicle, etc.) which may utilize sensor sleds 1 and a sled array system 2 which enables accurate, self-aligning, and self-stabilizing contact with a surface (not shown) while also overcoming physical obstacles and maneuvering at varying or constant speeds. In certain embodiments, mobile contact of the system 100 with the surface includes a magnetic wheel 3. In certain embodiments, a sled array system 2 is referenced herein as a payload 2—wherein a payload 2 is an arrangement of sleds 1 with sensor mounted thereon, and wherein, in certain embodiments, an entire payload 2 can be changed out as a unit. The utilization of payloads 2, in certain embodiments, allows for a pre-configured sensor array that provides for rapid re-configuration by swapping out the entire payload 2. In certain embodiments, sleds 1 and/or specific sensors on sleds 1, are changeable within a payload 2 to reconfigure the sensor array.

[0238] An example sensor sled 1 includes, without limitation, one or more sensors mounted thereon such that the sensor(s) is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds. For example, the sled 1 may include a chamber or mounting structure, with a hole at the bottom of the sled 1 such that the sensor can maintain line-of-sight and/or acoustic coupling with the inspection surface. The sled 1 as described throughout the present disclosure is mounted on and/or operationally coupled to the inspection robot 100 such that the sensor maintains a specified alignment to the inspection surface 500—for example a perpendicular arrangement to the inspection surface, or any other specified angle. In certain embodiments, a sensor mounted on a sled 1 may have a line-of-sight or other detecting arrangement to the inspection surface that is not through the sled 1—for example a sensor may be mounted at a front or rear of a sled 1, mounted on top of a sled 1 (e.g., having a view of the inspection surface that is forward, behind, to a side, and/or oblique to the sled 1). It will be seen that, regardless of the sensing orientation of the sensor to the inspection surface, maintenance of the sled 1 orientation to the inspection surface will support more consistent detection of the inspection surface by the sensor, and/or sensed values (e.g., inspection data) that is more consistently comparable over the inspection surface and/or that has a meaningful position relationship compared to position information determined for the sled 1 or inspection robot 100. In certain embodiments, a sensor may be mounted on the inspection robot 100 and/or a payload 2—for example a camera mounted on the inspection robot 100.

[0239] The present disclosure allows for gathering of structural information from a physical structure. Example physical structures include industrial structures such as boilers, pipelines, tanks, ferromagnetic structures, and other structures. An example system 100 is configured for climbing the outside of tube walls.

[0240] As described in greater detail below, in certain embodiments, the disclosure provides a system that is capable of integrating input from sensors and sensing technology that may be placed on a robotic vehicle. The robotic vehicle is capable of multi-directional movement on a variety of surfaces, including flat walls, curved surfaces, ceilings, and/or floors (e.g., a tank bottom, a storage tank floor, and/or a recovery boiler floor). The ability of the robotic vehicle to operate in this way provides unique access especially to traditionally inaccessible or dangerous places, thus permitting the robotic vehicle to gather information about the structure it is climbing on.

[0241] The system 100 (e.g., an inspection robot, a robotic vehicle, and/or supporting devices such as external computing devices, couplant or fluid reservoirs and delivery systems, etc.) in FIG. 1 includes the sled 1 mounted on a payload 2 to provide for an array of sensors having selectable contact (e.g., orientation, down force, sensor spacing from the surface, etc.) with an inspected surface. The payload 2 includes mounting posts mounted to a main body 102 of the system 100. The payload 2 thereby provides a convenient mounting position for a number of sleds 1, allowing for multiple sensors to be positioned for inspection in a single traverse of the inspected surface. The number and distance of the sleds 1 on the payload 2 are readily adjustable—for example by sliding the sled mounts on the payload 2 to adjust spacing. Referencing FIG. 3B, an example sled 1 has an aperture 12, for example to provide for couplant communication (e.g., an acoustically and/or optically continuous path of couplant) between the sensor mounted on the sled 1 and a surface to be inspected, to provide for line-of-sight availability between the sensor and the surface, or the like.

[0242] Referencing FIG. 4, an example system 100 includes the sled 1 held by an arm 20 that is connected to the payload 2 (e.g., a sensor array or sensor suite). An example system includes the sled 1 coupled to the arm 20 at a pivot point 17, allowing the sensor sled to rotate and/or tilt. On top of the arm 20, an example payload 2 includes a biasing member 21 (e.g., a torsion spring) with another pivot point 16, which provides for a selectable down-force of the arm 20 to the surface being inspected, and for an additional degree of freedom in sled 1 movement to ensure the sled 1 orients in a desired manner to the surface. In certain embodiments, down-force provides for at least a partial seal between the sensor sled 1 and surface to reduce or control couplant loss (e.g., where couplant loss is an amount of couplant consumed that is beyond what is required for operations), control distance between the sensor and the surface, and/or to ensure orientation of the sensor relative to the surface. Additionally or alternatively, the arm 20 can lift in the presence of an obstacle, while traversing between surfaces, or the like, and return to the desired position after the maneuver is completed. In certain embodiments, an additional pivot 18 couples the arm 20 to the payload 2, allowing for an additional rolling motion. In certain embodiments, pivots 16, 17, 18 provide for three degrees of freedom on arm 20 motion, allowing the arm 20 to be responsive to almost any obstacle or surface shape for inspection operations. In certain embodiments, various features of the system 100, including one or more pivots 16, 17, 18, co-operate to provide self-alignment of the sled 1 (and thus, the sensor mounted on the sled) to the surface. In certain embodiments, the sled 1 self-aligns to a curved surface and/or to a surface having variability in the surface shape.

[0243] In certain embodiments, the system is also able to collect information at multiple locations at once. This may be accomplished through the use of a sled array system. Modular in design, the sled array system allows for mounting sensor mounts, like the sleds, in fixed positions to ensure thorough coverage over varying contours. Furthermore, the sled array system allows for adjustment in spacing between sensors, adjustments of sled angle, and traveling over obstacles. In certain embodiments, the sled array system was designed to allow for multiplicity, allowing sensors to be added to or removed from the design, including changes in the type, quantity, and/or physical sensing arrangement of sensors. The sensor sleds that may be employed within the context of the present invention may house different sensors for diverse modalities useful for inspection of a structure. These sensor sleds are able to stabilize, align, travel over obstacles, and control, reduce, or optimize couplant delivery which allows for improved sensor feedback, reduced couplant loss, reduced post-inspection clean-up, reduced down-time due to sensor re-runs or bad data, and/or faster return to service for inspected equipment.

[0244] There may be advantages to maintaining a sled with associated sensors or tools in contact and/or in a fixed orientation relative to the surface being traversed even when that surface is contoured, includes physical features, obstacles, and the like. In embodiments, there may be sled assemblies which are self-aligning to accommodate variabilities in the surface being traversed (e.g., an inspection surface) while maintaining the bottom surface of the sled (and/or a sensor or tool, e.g. where the sensor or tool protrudes through or is flush with a bottom surface of the sled) in contact with the inspection surface and the sensor or tool in a fixed orientation relative to the inspection surface. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 there may be a number of payloads 2, each payload 2 including a sled 1 positioned between a pair of sled arms 20, with each side exterior of the sled 1 attached to one end of each of the sled arms 20 at a pivot point 17 so that the sled 1 is able to rotate around an axis that would run between the pivot points 17 on each side of the sled 1. As described elsewhere herein, the payload 2 may include one or more inspection sleds 1 being pushed ahead of the payload 2, pulled behind the payload 2, or both. The other end of each sled arm 20 is attached to an inspection sled mount 14 with a pivot connection 16 which allows the sled arms to rotate around an axis running through the inspection sled mount 14 between the two pivot connections 16. Accordingly, each pair of sled arms 20 can raise or lower independently from other sled arms 20, and with the corresponding sled 1. The inspection sled mount 14 attaches to the payload 2, for example by mounting on shaft 19. The inspection sled mount 14 may connect to the payload shaft 19 with a connection 18 which allows the sled 1 and corresponding arms 20 to rotate from side to side in an arc around a perpendicular to the shaft 19. Together the up and down and side to side arc, where present, allow two degrees of rotational freedom to the sled arms. Connection 18 is illustrated as a gimbal mount in the example of FIG. 4, although any type of connection providing a rotational degree of freedom for movement is contemplated herein, as well as embodiments that do not include a rotational degree of freedom for movement. The gimbal mount 18 allows the sled 1 and associated arms 20 to rotate to accommodate side to side variability in the surface being traversed or obstacles on one side of the sled 1. The pivot points 17 between the sled arms 20 and the sled 1 allow the sled 1 to rotate (e.g., tilt in the direction of movement of the inspection robot 100) to conform to the surface being traversed and accommodate to variations or obstacles in the surface being traversed. Pivot point 17, together with the rotational freedom of the arms, provides the sled three degrees of rotational freedom relative to the inspection surface. The ability to conform to the surface being traversed facilitated the maintenance of a perpendicular interface between the sensor and the surface allowing for improved interaction between the sled 1 and the inspection surface. Improved interaction may include ensuring that the sensor is operationally couplable to the inspection surface.

[0245] Within the inspection sled mount 14 there may be a biasing member (e.g., torsion spring 21) which provides a down force to the sled 1 and corresponding arms 20. In the example, the down force is selectable by changing the torsion spring, and/or by adjusting the configuration of the torsion spring (e.g., confining or rotating the torsion spring to increase or decrease the down force). Analogous operations or structures to adjust the down force for other biasing members (e.g., a cylindrical spring, actuator for active down force control, etc.) are contemplated herein.

[0246] In certain embodiments, the inspection robot 100 includes a tether (not shown) to provide power, couplant or other fluids, and/or communication links to the robot 100. It has been demonstrated that a tether to support at least 200 vertical feet of climbing can be created, capable of couplant delivery to multiple ultra-sonic sensors, sufficient power for the robot, and sufficient communication for real-time processing at a computing device remote from the robot. Certain aspects of the disclosure herein, such as but not limited to utilizing couplant conservation features such as sled downforce configurations, the acoustic cone, and water as a couplant, support an extended length of tether. In certain embodiments, multiple ultra-sonic sensors can be provided with sufficient couplant through a ⅛″ couplant delivery line, and/or through a ¼″ couplant delivery line to the inspection robot 100, with ⅛″ final delivery lines to individual sensors. While the inspection robot 100 is described as receiving power, couplant, and communications through a tether, any or all of these, or other aspects utilized by the inspection robot 100 (e.g., paint, marking fluid, cleaning fluid, repair solutions, etc.) may be provided through a tether or provided in situ on the inspection robot 100. For example, the inspection robot 100 may utilize batteries, a fuel cell, and/or capacitors to provide power; a couplant reservoir and/or other fluid reservoir on the robot to provide fluids utilized during inspection operations, and/or wireless communication of any type for communications, and/or store data in a memory location on the robot for utilization after an inspection operation or a portion of an inspection operation.

[0247] In certain embodiments, maintaining sleds 1 (and sensors or tools mounted thereupon) in contact and/or selectively oriented (e.g., perpendicular) to a surface being traversed provides for: reduced noise, reduced lost-data periods, fewer false positives, and/or improved quality of sensing; and/or improved efficacy of tools associated with the sled (less time to complete a repair, cleaning, or marking operation; lower utilization of associated fluids therewith; improved confidence of a successful repair, cleaning, or marking operation, etc.). In certain embodiments, maintaining sleds 1 in contacts and/or selectively oriented to the surface being traversed provides for reduced losses of couplant during inspection operations.

[0248] In certain embodiments, the combination of the pivot points 16, 17, 18) and torsion spring 21 act together to position the sled 1 perpendicular to the surface being traversed. The biasing force of the spring 21 may act to extend the sled arms 20 downward and away from the payload shaft 19 and inspection sled mount 14, pushing the sled 1 toward the inspection surface. The torsion spring 21 may be passive, applying a constant downward pressure, or the torsion spring 21 or other biasing member may be active, allowing the downward pressure to be varied. In an illustrative and non-limiting example, an active torsion spring 21 might be responsive to a command to relax the spring tension, reducing downward pressure and/or to actively pull the sled 1 up, when the sled 1 encounters an obstacle, allowing the sled 1 to more easily move over the obstacle. The active torsion spring 21 may then be responsive to a command to restore tension, increasing downward pressure, once the obstacle is cleared to maintain the close contact between the sled 1 and the surface. The use of an active spring may enable changing the angle of a sensor or tool relative to the surface being traversed during a traverse. Design considerations with respect to the surfaces being inspected may be used to design the active control system. If the spring 21 is designed to fail closed, the result would be similar to a passive spring and the sled 1 would be pushed toward the surface being inspected. If the spring 21 is designed to fail open, the result would be increased obstacle clearance capabilities. In embodiments, spring 21 may be a combination of passive and active biasing members.

[0249] The downward pressure applied by the torsion spring 21 may be supplemented by a spring within the sled 1 further pushing a sensor or tool toward the surface. The downward pressure may be supplemented by one or more magnets in/on the sled 1 pulling the sled 1 toward the surface being traversed. The one or more magnets may be passive magnets that are constantly pulling the sled 1 toward the surface being traversed, facilitating a constant distance between the sled 1 and the surface. The one or magnets may be active magnets where the magnet field strength is controlled based on sensed orientation and/or distance of the sled 1 relative to the inspection surface. In an illustrative and non-limiting example, as the sled 1 lifts up from the surface to clear an obstacle and it starts to roll, the strength of the magnet may be increased to correct the orientation of the sled 1 and draw it back toward the surface.

[0250] The connection between each sled 1 and the sled arms 20 may constitute a simple pin or other quick release connect/disconnect attachment. The quick release connection at the pivot points 17 may facilitate attaching and detaching sleds 1 enabling a user to easily change the type of inspection sled attached, swapping sensors, types of sensors, tools, and the like.

[0251] In embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 16, there may be multiple attachment or pivot point accommodations 9 available on the sled 1 for connecting the sled arms 20. The location of the pivot point accommodations 9 on the sled 1 may be selected to accommodate conflicting goals such as sled 1 stability and clearance of surface obstacles. Positioning the pivot point accommodations 9 behind the center of sled in the longitudinal direction of travel may facilitate clearing obstacles on the surface being traversed. Positioning the pivot point accommodation 9 forward of the center may make it more difficult for the sled 1 to invert or flip to a position where it cannot return to a proper inspection operation position. It may be desirable to alter the connection location of the sled arms 20 to the pivot point accommodations 9 (thereby defining the pivot point 17) depending on the direction of travel. The location of the pivot points 17 on the sled 1 may be selected to accommodate conflicting goals such as sensor positioning relative to the surface and avoiding excessive wear on the bottom of the sled. In certain embodiments, where multiple pivot point accommodations 9 are available, pivot point 17 selection can occur before an inspection operation, and/or be selectable during an inspection operation (e.g., arms 20 having an actuator to engage a selected one of the pivot points 9, such as extending pegs or other actuated elements, thereby selecting the pivot point 17).

[0252] In embodiments, the degree of rotation allowed by the pivot points 17 may be adjustable. This may be done using mechanical means such as a physical pin or lock. In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, the connection between the sled 1 and the sled arms 20 may include a spring 1702 that biases the pivot points 17 to tend to pivot in one direction or another. The spring 1702 may be passive, with the selection of the spring based on the desired strength of the bias, and the installation of the spring 1702 may be such as to preferentially push the front or the back of the sled 1 down. In embodiments, the spring 1702 may be active and the strength and preferential pivot may be varied based on direction of travel, presence of obstacles, desired pivoting responsiveness of the sled 1 to the presence of an obstacle or variation in the inspection surface, and the like. In certain embodiments, opposing springs or biasing members may be utilized to bias the sled 1 back to a selected position (e.g., neutral/flat on the surface, tilted forward, tilted rearward, etc.). Where the sled 1 is biased in a given direction (e.g., forward or rearward), the sled 1 may nevertheless operate in a neutral position during inspection operations, for example due to the down force from the arm 20 on the sled 1.

[0253] An example sled 1, for example as shown in FIG. 18, includes more than one pivot point 17, for example utilizing springs 402 to couple to the sled arm 20. In the example of FIG. 16, the two pivot points 17 provide additional clearance for the sled 1 to clear obstacles. In certain embodiments, both springs 402 may be active, for example allowing some rotation of each pivot simultaneously, and/or a lifting of the entire sled. In certain embodiments, springs 402 may be selectively locked—for example before inspection operations and/or actively controlled during inspection operations. Additionally or alternatively, selection of pivot position, spring force and/or ease of pivoting at each pivot may be selectively controlled—for example before inspection operations and/or actively controlled during inspection operations (e.g., using a controller 802). The utilization of springs 402 is a non-limiting example of simultaneous multiple pivot points, and leaf springs, electromagnets, torsion springs, or other flexible pivot enabling structures are contemplated herein. The spring tension or pivot control may be selected based on the uniformity of the surface to be traversed. The spring tension may be varied between the front and rear pivot points depending on the direction of travel of the sled 1. In an illustrative and non-limiting example, the rear spring (relative to the direction of travel) might be locked and the front spring active when traveling forward to better enable obstacle accommodation. When direction of travel is reversed, the active and locked springs 402 may be reversed such that what was the rear spring 402 may now be active and what was the front spring 402 may now be locked, again to accommodate obstacles encountered in the new direction of travel.

[0254] In embodiments, the bottom surface of the sled 1 may be shaped, as shown in FIGS. 19A, 19B, with one or more ramps 1902 to facilitate the sled 1 moving over obstacles encountered along the direction of travel. The shape and slope of each ramp 1902 may be designed to accommodate conflicting goals such as sled 1 stability, speed of travel, and the size of the obstacle the sled 1 is designed to accommodate. A steep ramp angle might be better for accommodating large obstacles but may be required to move more slowly to maintain stability and a good interaction with the surface. The slope of the ramp 1902 may be selected based on the surface to be traversed and expected obstacles. If the sled 1 is interacting with the surface in only one direction, the sled 1 may be designed with only one ramp 1902. If the sled 1 is interacting with the surface going in two directions, the sled 1 may be designed with two ramps 1902, e.g., a forward ramp and a rearward ramp, such that the sled 1 leads with a ramp 1902 in each direction of travel. Referencing FIG. 19B, the front and rear ramps 1902 may have different angles and/or different total height values. While the ramps 1902 depicted in FIGS. 19A and 19B are linear ramps, a ramp 1902 may have any shape, including a curved shape, a concave shape, a convex shape, and/or combinations thereof. The selection of the ramp angle, total ramp height, and bottom surface shape is readily determinable to one of skill in the art having the benefit of the disclosure herein and information ordinarily available when contemplating a system. Certain considerations for determining the ramp angle, ramp total height, and bottom surface shape include considerations of manufacturability, obstacle geometries likely to be encountered, obstacle materials likely to be encountered, materials utilized in the sled 1 and/or ramp 1902, motive power available to the inspection robot 100, the desired response to encountering obstacles of a given size and shape (e.g., whether it is acceptable to stop operations and re-configure the inspection operations for a certain obstacle, or whether maximum obstacle traversal capability is desired), and/or likely impact speed with obstacles for a sled.

[0255] In embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the bottom surface 2002 of the sled 1 may be contoured or curved to accommodate a known texture or shape of the surface being traversed, for example such that the sled 1 will tend to remain in a desired orientation (e.g., perpendicular) with the inspection surface as the sled 1 is moved. The bottom surface 2002 of the sled 1 may be shaped to reduce rotation, horizontal translation and shifting, and/or yaw or rotation of the sled 1 from side to side as it traverses the inspection surface. Referencing FIG. 20B, the bottom surface 2002 of the sled 1 may be convex for moving along a rounded surface, on the inside of a pipe or tube, and/or along a groove in a surface. Referencing FIG. 20A, the bottom surface 2002 of the sled 1 may be concave for the exterior of a rounded surface, such as riding on an outer wall of a pipe or tube, along a rounded surface, and/or along a ridge in a surface. The radius of curvature of the bottom surface 2002 of the sled 1 may be selected to facilitate alignment given the curvature of the surface to be inspected. The bottom surface 2002 of the sled 1 may be shaped to facilitate maintaining a constant distance between sensors or tools in the sled 1 and the inspection surface being traversed. In embodiments, at least a portion the bottom of the sled 1 may be flexible such that the bottom of the sled 1 may comply to the shape of the surface being traversed. This flexibility may facilitate traversing surfaces that change curvature over the length of the surface without the adjustments to the sled 1.

[0256] For a surface having a variable curvature, a chamfer or curve on the bottom surface 2002 of a sled 1 tends to guide the sled 1 to a portion of the variable curvature matching the curvature of the bottom surface 2002. Accordingly, the curved bottom surface 2002 supports maintaining a selected orientation of the sled 1 to the inspection surface. In certain embodiments, the bottom surface 2002 of the sled 1 is not curved, and one or more pivots 16, 17, 18 combined with the down force from the arms 20 combine to support maintaining a selected orientation of the sled 1 to the inspection surface. In some embodiments, the bottom of the sled 1 may be flexible such that the curvature may adapt to the curvature of the surface being traversed.

[0257] The material on the bottom of the sled 1 may be chosen to prevent wear on the sled 1, reduce friction between the sled 1 and the surface being traversed, or a combination of both. Materials for the bottom of the sled may include materials such as plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. Materials for the bottom of the sled may include an epoxy coat, a replaceable layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon), acetyl (e.g.,—Delrin® acetyl resin), ultrafine molecular weight polyethylene (PMW), and the like. In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 22, the material on the bottom of the sled 1 may be removable layer such as a sacrificial film 2012 (or layer, and/or removable layer) that is applied to the bottom of the sled 1 and then lifted off and replaced at selected intervals, before each inspection operation, and/or when the film 2012 or bottom of the sled begin to show signs of wear or an increase in friction. An example sled 1 includes an attachment mechanism 2104, such as a clip, to hold the sacrificial film 2012 in place. Referencing FIG. 21, an example sled 1 includes a recess 2306 in the bottom surface of the sled to retain the sacrificial film 2012 and allow the sacrificial film 2012 to have a selected spatial orientation between the inspection contact side (e.g., the side of the sacrificial film 2012 exposed to the inspection surface) with the bottom surface 2002 of the sled 1 (e.g., flush with the bottom, extending slightly past the bottom, etc.). In certain embodiments, the removable layer may include a thickness that provides a selected spatial orientation between an inspection contact side in contact with the inspection surface and the bottom surface of the sled. In certain embodiments, the sacrificial film 2012 includes an adhesive, for example with an adhesive backing to the layer, and/or may be applied as an adhesive (e.g., an epoxy layer or coating that is refreshed or reapplied from time to time). An example sacrificial film 2012 includes a hole therethrough, for example allowing for visual and/or couplant contact between a sensor 2202 attached to the sled 1 and the inspection surface. The hole may be positioned over the sensor 2202, and/or may accommodate the sensor 2202 to extend through the sacrificial film 2012, and/or may be aligned with a hole 2016 (e.g., FIG. 21) or aperture 12 (e.g., FIG. 3B) in the sled bottom.

[0258] In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 22-24, an example sled 1 includes an upper portion 2402 and a replaceable lower portion 2404 having a bottom surface. In some embodiments, the lower portion 2404 may be designed to allow the bottom surface and shape to be changed to accommodate the specific surface to be traversed without having to disturb or change the upper portion 2402. Accordingly, where sensors or tools engage the upper portion 2402, the lower portion 2404 can be rapidly changed out to configure the sled 1 to the inspection surface, without disturbing sensor connections and/or coupling to the arms 20. The lower portion 2404 may additionally or alternatively be configured to accommodate a sacrificial layer 2012, including potentially with a recess 2306. An example sled 1 includes a lower portion 2404 designed to be easily replaced by lining up the upper portion 2402 and the lower portion 2404 at a pivot point 2406, and then rotating the pieces to align the two portions. In certain embodiments, the sensor, installation sleeve, cone tip, or other portion protruding through aperture 12 forms the pivot point 2406. One or more slots 2408 and key 2410 interfaces or the like may hold the two portions together.

[0259] The ability to quickly swap the lower portion 2404 may facilitate changing the bottom surface of the sled 1 to improve or optimize the bottom surface of the sled 1 for the surface to be traversed. The lower portion may be selected based on bottom surface shape, ramp angle, or ramp total height value. The lower portion may be selected from a multiplicity of pre-configured replaceable lower portions in response to observed parameters of the inspection surface after arrival to an inspection site. Additionally or alternatively, the lower portion 2404 may include a simple composition, such as a wholly integrated part of a single material, and/or may be manufactured on-site (e.g., in a 3-D printing operation) such as for a replacement part and/or in response to observed parameters of the inspection surface after arrival to an inspection site. Improvement and/or optimization may include: providing a low friction material as the bottom surface to facilitate the sled 1 gliding over the surface being traversed, having a hardened bottom surface of the sled 1 if the surface to be traversed is abrasive, producing the lower portion 2404 as a wear material or low-cost replacement part, and the like. The replacement lower portion 2404 may allow for quick replacement of the bottom surface when there is wear or damage on the bottom surface of the sled 1. Additionally or alternatively, a user may alter a shape/curvature of the bottom of the sled, a slope or length of a ramp, the number of ramps, and the like. This may allow a user to swap out the lower portion 2404 of an individual sled 1 to change a sensor to a similar sensor having a different sensitivity or range, to change the type of sensor, manipulate a distance between the sensor and the inspection surface, replace a failed sensor, and the like. This may allow a user to swap out the lower portion 2404 of an individual sled 1 depending upon the surface curvature of the inspection surface, and/or to swap out the lower portion 2404 of an individual sled 1 to change between various sensors and/or tools.

[0260] In embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 25-27, a sled 1 may have a chamber 2624 sized to accommodate a sensor 2202, and/or into which a sensor 2202 may be inserted. The chamber 2624 may have chamfers 2628 on at least one side of the chamber to facilitate ease of insertion and proper alignment of the sensor 2202 in the chamber 2624. An example sled 1 includes a holding clamp 2630 that accommodates the sensor 2202 to pass therethrough, and is attached to the sled 1 by a mechanical device 2632 such as a screw or the like. An example sled 1 includes stops 2634 at the bottom of the chamber 2624, for example to ensure a fixed distance between the sensor 2202 and bottom surface of the sled and/or the inspection surface, and/or to ensure a specific orientation of the sensor 2202 to the bottom surface of the sled and/or the inspection surface.

[0261] Referencing FIG. 27, an example sled 1 includes a sensor installation sleeve 2704, which may be positioned, at least partially, within the chamber. The example sensor installation sleeve 2704 may be formed from a compliant material such as neoprene, rubber, an elastomeric material, and the like, and in certain embodiments may be an insert into a chamber 2624, a wrapper material on the sensor 2202, and/or formed by the substrate of the sled 1 itself (e.g., by selecting the size and shape of the chamber 2624 and the material of the sled 1 at least in the area of the chamber 2624). An example sleeve 2704 includes an opening 2 sized to receive a sensor 2202 and/or a tool (e.g., marking, cleaning, repair, and/or spray tool). In the example of FIG. 27, the sensor installation sleeve 2704 flexes to accommodate the sensor 2202 as the sensor 2202 is inserted. Additionally or alternatively, a sleeve 2704 may include a material wrapping the sensor 2202 and slightly oversized for the chamber 2624, where the sleeve compresses through the hole into the chamber 2624, and expands slightly when released, thereby securing the sensor 2202 into the sled 1. In the example of FIG. 27, an installation tab 2716 is formed by relief slots 2714. The tab 2716 flexes to engage the sensor 2202, easing the change of the sensor 2202 while securing the sensor 2202 in the correct position once inserted into the sled 1.

[0262] It can be seen that a variety of sensor and tool types and sizes may be swapped in and out of a single sled 1 using the same sensor installation sleeve 2704. The opening of the chamber 2624 may include the chamfers 2628 to facilitate insertion, release, and positioning of the sensor 2202, and/or the tab 2716 to provide additional compliance to facilitate insertion, release, and positioning of the sensor 2202 and/or to accommodate varying sizes of sensors 2202. Throughout the present disclosure, a sensor 2202 includes any hardware of interest for inserting or coupling to a sled 1, including at least: a sensor, a sensor housing or engagement structure, a tool (e.g., a sprayer, marker, fluid jet, etc.), and/or a tool housing or engagement structure.

[0263] Referencing FIG. 28, an acoustic cone 2804 is depicted. The acoustic cone 2804 includes a sensor interface 2808, for example to couple an acoustic sensor with the cone 2804. The example acoustic cone 2804 includes a couplant interface 2814, with a fluid chamber 2818 coupling the couplant interface 2814 to the cone fluid chamber 2810. In certain embodiments, the cone tip 2820 of the acoustic cone 2804 is kept in contact with the inspection surface, and/or kept at a predetermined distance from the inspection surface while the acoustic sensor is mounted at the opposite end of the acoustic cone 2804 (e.g., at sensor interface 2808). The cone tip 2820 may define a couplant exit opening between the couplant chamber and the inspection surface. The couplant exit opening may be flush with the bottom surface or extend through the bottom of the sled. Accordingly, a delay line (e.g., acoustic or vibration coupling of a fixed effective length) between the sensor and the inspection surface is kept at a predetermined distance throughout inspection operations. Additionally, the acoustic cone 2804 couples to the sled 1 in a predetermined arrangement, allowing for replacement of the sensor, and/or swapping of a sled 1 without having to recalibrate acoustic and/or ultra-sonic measurements. The volume between the sensor and the inspection surface is maintained with couplant, providing a consistent delay line between the sensor and the inspection surface. Example and non-limiting couplant fluids include alcohol, a dye penetrant, an oil-based liquid, an ultra-sonic gel, or the like. An example couplant fluid includes particle sizes not greater than 1/16 of an inch. In certain embodiments, the couplant is filtered before delivery to the sled 1. In certain embodiments, the couplant includes water, which is low cost, low viscosity, easy to pump and compatible with a variety of pump types, and may provide lower resistance to the movement of the inspection sled over the surface than gels. In certain embodiments, water may be an undesirable couplant, and any type of couplant fluid may be provided.

[0264] An example acoustic cone 2804 provides a number of features to prevent or remove air bubbles in the cone fluid chamber 2810. An example acoustic cone 2804 includes entry of the fluid chamber 2818 into a vertically upper portion of the cone fluid chamber 2810 (e.g., as the inspection robot 100 is positioned on the inspection surface, and/or in an intended orientation of the inspection robot 100 on the inspection surface, which may toward the front of the robot where the robot is ascending vertically), which tends to drive air bubbles out of the cone fluid chamber 2810. In certain embodiments, the utilization of the acoustic cone 2804, and the ability to minimize sensor coupling and de-coupling events (e.g., a sled can be swapped out without coupling or decoupling the sensor from the cone) contributes to a reduction in leaks and air bubble formation. In certain embodiments, a controller 802 periodically and/or in response to detection of a potential air bubble (e.g., due to an anomalous sensor reading) commands a de-bubbling operation, for example increasing a flow rate of couplant through the cone 2804. In certain embodiments, the arrangements described throughout the present disclosure provide for sufficient couplant delivery to be in the range of 0.06 to 0.08 gallons per minute using a ⅛″ fluid delivery line to the cone 2804. In certain embodiments, nominal couplant flow and pressure is sufficient to prevent the formation of air bubbles in the acoustic cone 2804.

[0265] As shown in FIG. 29, individual tubing 2902 may be connected to each couplant interface 2814. In some embodiments, the individual tubing 2902 may be connected directly to a sled 1A, 1B rather than the individual tubing 2902, for example with sled 1A, 1B plumbing permanently coupled to the couplant interface 2814. Two or more individual tubing 2902 sections may then be joined together in a tubing junction 2908 with a single tube 2904 leaving the junction. In this way, a number of individual tubes 2902 may be reduced to a single tube 2904 that may be easily connected/disconnected from the source of the couplant. In certain embodiments, an entire payload 2 may include a single couplant interface, for example to the inspection robot 100. The inspection robot 100 may include a couplant reservoir and/or a delivery pump thereupon, and/or the inspection robot 100 may be connected to an external couplant source. In certain embodiments, an entire payload 2 can be changed out with a single couplant interface change, and without any of the cone couplant interfaces and/or sensor couplant interface being disconnected. In certain embodiments, the integration of the sensor 2202, acoustic cone 2804, and cone tip 2820 is designed to maintain a constant distance between the surface being measured and the acoustic sensor 2202. The constant distance facilitates in the interpretation of the data recorded by the acoustic sensor 2202. In certain embodiments, the distance between the surface being measured and the acoustic sensor 2202 may be described as the “delay line.”

[0266] Certain embodiments include an apparatus for providing acoustic coupling between a carriage (or sled) mounted sensor and an inspection surface. Example and non-limiting structures to provide acoustic coupling between a carriage mounted sensor and an inspection surface include an acoustic (e.g., an ultra-sonic) sensor mounted on a sled 1, the sled 1 mounted on a payload 2, and the payload 2 coupled to an inspection robot. An example apparatus further includes providing the sled 1 with a number of degrees of freedom of motion, such that the sled 1 can maintain a selected orientation with the inspection surface—including a perpendicular orientation and/or a selected angle of orientation. Additionally or alternatively, the sled 1 is configured to track the surface, for example utilizing a shaped bottom of the sled 1 to match a shape of the inspection surface or a portion of the inspection surface, and/or the sled 1 having an orientation such that, when the bottom surface of the sled 1 is positioned against the inspection surface, the sensor maintains a selected angle with respect to the inspection surface.

[0267] Certain additional embodiments of an apparatus for providing acoustic coupling between a carriage mounted sensor and an inspection surface include utilization of a fixed-distance structure that ensures a consistent distance between the sensor and the inspection surface. For example, the sensor may be mounted on a cone, wherein an end of the cone touches the inspection surface and/or is maintained in a fixed position relative to the inspection surface, and the sensor mounted on the cone thereby is provided at a fixed distance from the inspection surface. In certain embodiments, the sensor may be mounted on the cone, and the cone mounted on the sled 1, such that a change-out of the sled 1 can be performed to change out the sensor, without engaging or disengaging the sensor from the cone. In certain embodiments, the cone may be configured such that couplant provided to the cone results in a filled couplant chamber between a transducer of the sensor and the inspection surface. In certain additional embodiments, a couplant entry position for the cone is provided at a vertically upper position of the cone, between the cone tip portion and the sensor mounting end, in an orientation of the inspection robot as it is positioned on the surface, such that couplant flow through the cone tends to prevent bubble formation in the acoustic path between the sensor and the inspection surface. In certain further embodiments, the couplant flow to the cone is adjustable, and is capable, for example, to be increased in response to a determination that a bubble may have formed within the cone and/or within the acoustic path between the sensor and the inspection surface. In certain embodiments, the sled 1 is capable of being lifted, for example with an actuator that lifts an arm 20, and/or that lifts a payload 2, such that a free fluid path for couplant and attendant bubbles to exit the cone and/or the acoustic path is provided. In certain embodiments, operations to eliminate bubbles in the cone and/or acoustic path are performed periodically, episodically (e.g., after a given inspection distance is completed, at the beginning of an inspection run, after an inspection robot pauses for any reason, etc.), and/or in response to an active determination that a bubble may be present in the cone and/or the acoustic path.

[0268] An example apparatus provides for low or reduced fluid loss of couplant during inspection operations. Example and non-limiting structures to provide for low or reduced fluid loss include providing for a limited flow path of couplant out of the inspection robot system—for example utilizing a cone having a smaller exit couplant cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of a couplant chamber within the cone. In certain embodiments, an apparatus for low or reduced fluid loss of couplant includes structures to provide for a selected down force on a sled 1 which the sensor is mounted on, on an arm 20 carrying a sled 1 which the sensor is mounted on, and/or on a payload 2 which the sled 1 is mounted on. Additionally or alternatively, an apparatus providing for low or reduced fluid loss of couplant includes a selected down force on a cone providing for couplant connectivity between the sensor and the inspection surface—for example, a leaf spring or other biasing member within the sled 1 providing for a selected down force directly to the cone. In certain embodiments, low or reduced fluid loss includes providing for an overall fluid flow of between 0.12 to 0.16 gallons per minute to the inspection robot to support at least 10 ultra-sonic sensors. In certain embodiments, low or reduced fluid loss includes providing for an overall fluid flow of less than 50 feet per minute, less than 100 feet per minute, and less than 200 feet per minute fluid velocity in a tubing line feeding couplant to the inspection robot. In certain embodiments, low or reduced fluid loss includes providing sufficient couplant through a ¼″ tubing line to feed couplant to at least 6, at least 8, at least 10, at least 12, or at least 16 ultra-sonic sensors to a vertical height of at least 25 feet, at least 50 feet, at least 100 feet, at least 150 feet, or at least 200 feet. An example apparatus includes a ¼″ feed line to the inspection robot and/or to the payload 2, and a ⅛″ feed line to individual sleds 1 and/or sensors (or acoustic cones associated with the sensors). In certain embodiments, larger and/or smaller diameter feed and individual fluid lines are provided.

[0269] Referencing FIG. 30, an example procedure 3000 to provide acoustic coupling between a sensor and an inspection surface is depicted schematically. The example procedure 3000 includes an operation 3002 to provide a fixed acoustic path between the sensor and the inspection surface. The example procedure 3000 further includes an operation 3004 to fill the acoustic path with a couplant. The example procedure 3000 further includes an operation 3006 to provide for a selected orientation between the sensor and the inspection surface. In certain embodiments, certain operations of the procedure 3000 are performed iteratively throughout inspection operations—for example operations 3006 may include maintaining the orientation throughout inspection operations—such as providing the sensor on a sled having a bottom surface and/or maneuverability to passively or actively self-align to the inspection surface, and/or to return to alignment after a disturbance such as traversal of an obstacle. In another example, operations 3004 include providing a couplant flow to keep the acoustic path between the sensor and the inspection surface filled with couplant, and/or adjusting the couplant flow during inspection operations. Certain operations of procedure 3000 may be performed by a controller 802 during inspection operations.

[0270] Referencing FIG. 31, an example procedure 3100 to ensure acoustic engagement between a sensor and an inspection surface is depicted schematically. The example procedure 3100 includes an operation 3102 to provide an acoustic coupling chamber between the sensor and the inspection surface. Example and non-limiting operations 3102 include providing the acoustic coupling chamber with an arrangement that tends to reduce bubble formation within the acoustic path between the sensor and the inspection surface. The example procedure 3100 further includes an operation 3104 to determine that the sensor should be re-coupled to the inspection surface. Example and non-limiting operations 3104 include determining that a time has elapsed since a last re-coupling operation, determining that an event has occurred and performing a re-coupling operation in response to the event, and/or actively determining that the acoustic path has been interrupted. Example and non-limiting events include a pausing of the inspection robot, a beginning of inspection operations and/or completion of a selected portion of inspection operations, and/or an interruption of couplant flow to the inspection robot. Example and non-limiting operation to actively determine that the acoustic path has been interrupted include an observation of a bubble (e.g., in an acoustic cone), an indication that couplant may have exited the acoustic path (e.g., the sled 1 has lifted either for an obstacle or for another operation, observation of an empty cone, etc.), and/or an indication that a sensor reading is off-nominal (e.g., signal seems to have been lost, anomalous reading has occurred, etc.). The example procedure 3100 further includes an operation 3106 to re-couple the sensor to the inspection surface. Example and non-limiting operations 3106 include resuming and/or increasing a couplant flow rate, and/or briefly raising a sled, sled arm, and/or payload from the inspection surface. The procedure 3100 and/or portions thereof may be repeated iteratively during inspection operations. Certain operations of procedure 3100 may be performed by a controller 802 during inspection operations.

[0271] Referencing FIG. 32, an example procedure 3200 to provide low fluid loss (and/or fluid consumption) between an acoustic sensor and an inspection surface is depicted schematically. An example procedure 3200 includes an operation 3202 to provide for a low exit cross-sectional area for couplant from an acoustic path between the sensor and the inspection surface—including at least providing an exit from a couplant chamber formed by a cone as the exit cross-sectional area, and/or providing an exit cross-sectional area that is in a selected proximity to, and/or in contact with, the inspection surface. The example procedure 3200 further includes an operation 3204 to provide a selected down force to a sled having the sensor mounted thereon, and/or to a couplant chamber. In certain embodiments, the example procedure 3200 includes an operation 3206 to determine if fluid loss for the couplant is excessive (e.g., as measured by replacement couplant flow provided to an inspection robot, and/or by observed couplant loss), and an operation 3208 to increase a down force and/or reduce a couplant exit cross-sectional area from a couplant chamber. In certain embodiments, an inspection robot includes a configurable down force, such as: an active magnet strength control; a biasing member force adjustment (e.g., increasing confinement of a spring to increase down force); sliding of a weight in a manner to adjust down force on the sled and/or cone; combinations of these; or the like. In certain embodiments, an exit cross-sectional are for couplant is adjustable—for example, an iris actuator (not shown), gate valve, or cross-sectional area adjustment is provided. In certain embodiments, cross-sectional area is related to the offset distance of the couplant chamber exit (e.g., cone tip) from the inspection surface, whereby a reduction of the selected offset distance of the couplant chamber exit to the inspection surface reduces the effective exit flow area of the couplant chamber. Example operations to adjust the selected offset distance include lowering the couplant chamber within the sled and/or increasing a down force on the sled and/or couplant chamber. Certain operations of procedure 3200 may be performed by a controller 802 during inspection operations.

[0272] Referencing FIGS. 2A and 2B, an example system includes a wheel 200 design that enables modularity, adhesion to the structure's surface, and obstacle traversing. A splined hub, wheel size, and the use of magnets allow the system to be effective on many different surfaces. In some embodiments, the wheel 200 includes a splined hub 8. The wheel 200 permits a robotic vehicle 100 to climb on walls, ceilings, and other ferromagnetic surfaces. As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, this may be accomplished by embedding magnets 6 in a ferromagnetic enclosure 3 and/or an electrically conductive enclosure to protect the magnet 6, improve alignment, and allow for ease of assembly. For example, the magnet 6 may be a permanent magnet and/or a controllable electromagnet, and may further include a rare earth magnet. The ferromagnetic enclosure 3 protects the magnet 6 from directly impacting the inspected surface, reduces impacts and damage to the magnet 6, and reduces wear on the surface and the magnet 6. The ferromagnetic and/or electrical conductivity of the enclosure 3 reduces magnetic field lines in not-useful directions (e.g., into the housing 102, electrical lines or features that may be present near the inspected surface, etc.) and guides the magnetic field lines to the inspected surface. In certain embodiments, the enclosure 3 may not be ferromagnetic or conductive, and/or the enclosure 3 may be at least partially covered by a further material (e.g., molded plastic, a coating, paint, etc.), for example to protect the inspected surface from damage, to protect the enclosure 3 from wear, for aesthetic reasons, or for any other reason. In certain embodiments, the magnet 6 is not present, and the system 100 stays in contact with the surface in another manner (e.g., surface tension adhesion, gravity such as on a horizontal or slightly inclined inspection surface, movement along a track fixed to the surface, or the like). Any arrangements of an inspection surface, including vertical surfaces, overhang or upside-down surfaces, curved surfaces, and combinations of these, are contemplated herein.

[0273] The wheel 200 includes a channel 7 formed between enclosures 3, for example at the center of the wheel 200. In certain embodiments, the channel 7 provides for self-alignment on surfaces such as tubes or pipes. In certain embodiments, the enclosures 300 include one or more chamfered edges or surfaces (e.g., the outer surface in the example of FIGS. 3B-3C), for example to improve contact with a rough or curved surface, and/or to provide for a selected surface contact area to avoid damage to the surface and/or the wheel 200. The flat face along the rim also allows for adhesion and predictable movement on flat surfaces.

[0274] The wheel 200 may be connected to the shaft using a splined hub 8. This design makes the wheel modular and also prevents it from binding due to corrosion. The splined hub 8 transfers the driving force from the shaft to the wheel. An example wheel 200 includes a magnetic aspect (e.g., magnet 6) capable to hold the robot on the wall, and accept a driving force to propel the robot, the magnet 6 positioned between conductive and/or ferromagnetic plates or enclosures, a channel 7 formed by the enclosures or plates, one or more chamfered and/or shaped edges, and/or a splined hub attachment to a shaft upon which the wheel is mounted.

[0275] The robotic vehicle may utilize a magnet-based wheel design that enables the vehicle to attach itself to and operate on ferromagnetic surfaces, including vertical and inverted surfaces (e.g., walls and ceilings). As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the wheel design may comprise a cylindrical magnet 6 mounted between two wheel enclosures 3 with a splined hub 8 design for motor torque transfer, where the outer diameter of the two enclosures 3 is greater than the outer diameter of the magnet 6. Once assembled, this configuration creates a channel 7 between the two wheel enclosures 3 that prevents the magnet 6 from making physical contact with the surface as the wheel rolls on the outer diameter surface of the wheel enclosures 3. In certain embodiments, the material of the magnet 6 may include a rare earth material (e.g., neodymium, yttrium-cobalt, samarium-cobalt, etc.), which may be expensive to produce, handle, and/or may be highly subject to damage or corrosion. Additionally, any permanent magnet material may have a shorter service life if exposed to direct shocks or impacts.

[0276] The channel 7 may also be utilized to assist in guiding the robotic vehicle along a feature of an inspection surface 500 (e.g., reference FIG. 5), such as where the channel 7 is aligned along the top of a rounded surface (e.g., pipe, or other raised feature) that the wheel uses to guide the direction of travel. The wheel enclosures 3 may also have guiding features 2052 (reference FIGS. 11A to 11E), such as grooves, concave or convex curvature, chamfers on the inner and/or outer edges, and the like. Referencing FIG. 11A, an example guiding feature 2052 includes a chamfer on an outer edge of one or both enclosures 3, for example providing self-alignment of the wheels along a surface feature, such as between raised features, on top of raised features, between two pipes 502 (which may be adjacent pipes or spaced pipes), and/or a curvature of a tube, pipe, or tank (e.g., when the inspection robot 100 traverses the interior of a pipe 502). For instance, having a chamfer on the outer edge of the outside enclosure may enable the wheel to more easily seat next to and track along a pipe 502 that is located outside the wheel. In another instance, having chamfers on both edges may enable the wheel to track with greater stability between two pipes 502. Referencing FIG. 11B, guiding features 2052 are depicted as chamfers on both sides of the wheel enclosures 3—for example allowing the inspection robot 100 to traverse between pipes 502; on top of a single pipe 502 or on top of a span of pipes 502; along the exterior of a pipe, tube, or tank; and/or along the interior of a pipe, tube, or tank. Referencing FIG. 11C, guiding features 2052 are depicted as chamfers on the interior channel 7 side of the enclosures 3, for example allowing the wheel to self-align on top of a single pipe or other feature. Referencing FIG. 11D, guiding features 2052 are depicted as a concave curved surface, for example sized to match a pipe or other feature to be traversed by the wheel. Referencing FIG. 11E, guiding features 2052 are depicted as a concave curved surface formed on an interior of the channel 7, with chamfers 2052 on the exterior of the enclosure 3—for example allowing the wheel to self-align on a single pipe or feature on the interior of the enclosure, and/or to align between pipes on the exterior of the enclosure.

[0277] One skilled in the art will appreciate that a great variety of different guiding features 2052 may be used to accommodate the different surface characteristics to which the robotic vehicle may be applied. In certain embodiments, combinations of features (e.g., reference FIG. 11E) provide for the inspection robot 100 to traverse multiple surfaces for a single inspection operation, reducing change-time for the wheels and the like. In certain embodiments, chamfer angles, radius of curvature, vertical depth of chamfers or curves, and horizontal widths of chamfers or curves are selectable to accommodate the sizing of the objects to be traversed during inspection operations. It can be seen that the down force provided by the magnet 6 combined with the shaping of the enclosure 3 guiding features 2052 combine to provide for self-alignment of the inspection robot 100 on the surface 500, and additionally provide for protection of the magnet 6 from exposure to shock, impacts, and/or materials that may be present on the inspection surface. In certain embodiments, the magnet 6 may be shaped—for example with curvature (reference FIG. 11D), to better conform to the inspection surface 500 and/or prevent impact or contact of the magnet 6 with the surface.

[0278] Additionally or alternatively, guiding features may be selectable for the inspection surface—for example multiple enclosures 3 (and/or multiple wheel assemblies including the magnet 6 and enclosure 3) may be present for an inspection operation, and a suitable one of the multiple enclosures 3 provided according to the curvature of surfaces present, the spacing of pipes, the presence of obstacles, or the like. In certain embodiments, an enclosure 3 may have an outer layer (e.g., a removable layer—not shown)—for example a snap on, slide over, coupled with set screws, or other coupling mechanism for the outer layer, such that just an outer portion of the enclosure is changeable to provide the guiding features. In certain embodiments, the outer layer may be a non-ferrous material (e g, making installation and changes of the outer layer more convenient in the presence to the magnet 6, which may complicate quick changes of a fully ferromagnetic enclosure 3), such as a plastic, elastomeric material, aluminum, or the like. In certain embodiments, the outer layer may be a 3-D printable material (e.g., plastics, ceramics, or any other 3-D printable material) where the outer layer can be constructed at an inspection location after the environment of the inspection surface 500 is determined. An example includes the controller 802 (e.g., reference FIG. 8 and the related description) structured to accept inspection parameters (e.g., pipe spacing, pipe sizes, tank dimensions, etc.), and to provide a command to a 3-D printer responsive to the command to provide an outer layer configured for the inspection surface 500. In certain embodiments, the controller 802 further accepts an input for the wheel definition (e.g., where selectable wheel sizes, clearance requirements for the inspection robot 100, or other parameters not necessarily defined by the inspection surface 500), and further provides the command to the 3-D printer, to provide an outer layer configured for the inspection surface 500 and the wheel definition.

[0279] An example splined hub 8 design of the wheel assembly may enable modular re-configuration of the wheel, enabling each component to be easily switched out to accommodate different operating environments (e.g., ferromagnetic surfaces with different permeability, different physical characteristics of the surface, and the like). For instance, enclosures with different guiding features may be exchanged to accommodate different surface features, such as where one wheel configuration works well for a first surface characteristic (e.g., a wall with tightly spaced small pipes) and a second wheel configuration works well for a second surface characteristic (e.g., a wall with large pipes). The magnet 6 may also be exchanged to adjust the magnetic strength available between the wheel assembly and the surface, such as to accommodate different dimensional characteristics of the surface (e.g., features that prevent close proximity between the magnet 6 and a surface ferromagnetic material), different permeability of the surface material, and the like. Further, one or both enclosures 3 may be made of ferromagnetic material, such as to direct the flux lines of the magnet toward a surface upon which the robotic vehicle is riding, to direct the flux lines of the magnet away from other components of the robotic vehicle, and the like, enabling the modular wheel configuration to be further configurable for different ferromagnetic environments and applications.

[0280] The present disclosure provides for robotic vehicles that include a sensor sled components, permitting evaluation of particular attributes of the structure. As shown in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the sled 1 may hold the sensor that can perform inspection of the structure. The sensor may be perpendicular to the surface being inspected and, in some embodiments, may have a set distance from the surface to protect it from being damaged. In other embodiments, the distance from the surface to the sensor may be adjusted to accommodate the technical requirements of the sensor being utilized. A couplant retaining column may be added at the sensor outlet to retain couplant depending on the type of sensor being used. In certain embodiments, an opening 12 may be provided at a bottom of the sled 1 to allow an installed sensor to operatively communicate with an inspection surface.

[0281] The sleds of the present disclosure may slide on a flat or curved surface and may perform various types of material testing using the sensors incorporated into the sled. The bottom surface 13 of the sled may be fabricated from numerous types of materials which may be chosen by the user to fit the shape of the surface. Note that depending on the surface condition, a removeable, replaceable, and/or sacrificial layer of thin material may be positioned on the bottom surface of the sled to reduce friction, create a better seal, and protect the bottom of the sled from physical damage incurred by the surface. In certain embodiments, the sled may include ramp surfaces 11 at the front and back of the sled. The ramp and available pivot point accommodation 9 (described below—for example, an option for pivot point 17) give the sled the ability to travel over obstacles. This feature allows the sled to work in industrial environments with surfaces that are not clean and smooth. In certain embodiments, one or more apertures 10 may be provided, for example to allow a sacrificial layer to be fixed to the bottom of the sled 1.

[0282] In summary, an example robotic vehicle 100 includes sensor sleds having the following properties capable of providing a number of sensors for inspecting a selected object or surface, including a soft or hard bottom surface, including a bottom surface that matches an inspection surface (e.g., shape, contact material hardness, etc.), having a curved surface and/or ramp for obstacle clearance (including a front ramp and/or a back ramp), includes a column and/or couplant insert (e.g., a cone positioned within the sled, where the sensor couples to the cone) that retains couplant, improves acoustic coupling between the sensor and the surface, and/or assists in providing a consistent distance between the surface and the sensor; a plurality of pivot points between the main body 102 and the sled 1 to provide for surface orientation, improved obstacle traversal, and the like, a sled 1 having a mounting position configured to receive multiple types of sensors, and/or magnets in the sled to provide for control of downforce and/or stabilized positioning between the sensor and the surface. In certain implementations of the present invention, it is advantageous to not only be able to adjust spacing between sensors but also to adjust their angular position relative to the surface being inspected. The present invention may achieve this goal by implementing systems having several translational and rotational degrees of freedom.

[0283] Referencing FIG. 4, an example payload 2 includes selectable spacing between sleds 1, for example to provide selectable sensor spacing. In certain embodiments, spacing between the sensors may be adjusted using a lockable translational degree of freedom such as a set screw allowing for the rapid adjustment of spacing. Additionally or alternatively, any coupling mechanism between the arm 20 and the payload 2 is contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, a worm gear or other actuator allows for the adjustment of sensor spacing by a controller and/or in real time during operations of the system 100. In certain embodiments, the payload 2 includes a shaft 19 whereupon sleds 1 are mounted (e.g., via the arms 20). In these embodiments, the sensor mounts 14 are mounted on a shaft 19. The example of FIG. 4 includes a shaft cap 15 providing structural support to a number of shafts of the payload 2. In the example of FIG. 4, two shafts are utilized to mount the payload 2 onto the housing 102, and one shaft 19 is utilized to mount the arms 20 onto the payload 2. The arrangement utilizing a payload 2 is a non-limiting example, that allows multiple sensors and sleds 1 to be configured in a particular arrangement, and rapidly changed out as a group (e.g., swapping out a first payload and set of sensors for a second payload and set of sensors, thereby changing an entire sensor arrangement in a single operation). However, in certain embodiments one or more of the payload 2, arms 20, and/or sleds 1 may be fixedly coupled to the respective mounting features, and numerous benefits of the present disclosure are nevertheless achieved in such embodiments.

[0284] During operation, an example system 100 encounters obstacles on the surface of the structure being evaluated, and the pivots 16, 17, 18 provide for movement of the arm 20 to traverse the obstacle. In certain embodiments, the system 100 is a modular design allowing various degrees of freedom of movement of sleds 1, either in real-time (e.g., during an inspection operation) and/or at configuration time (e.g., an operator or controller adjusts sensor or sled positions, down force, ramp shapes of sleds, pivot angles of pivots 16, 17, 18 in the system 100, etc.) before an inspection operation or a portion of an inspection operation, and including at least the following degrees of freedom: translation (e.g., payload 2 position relative to the housing 102); translation of the sled arm 20 relative to the payload 2, rotation of the sled arm 20, rotation of the sled arm 20 mount on the payload 2, and/or rotation of the sled 1 relative to the sled arm 20.

[0285] In certain embodiments, a system 100 allows for any one or more of the following adjustments: spacing between sensors (perpendicular to the direction of inspection motion, and/or axially along the direction of the inspection motion); adjustments of an angle of the sensor to an outer diameter of a tube or pipe; momentary or longer term displacement to traverse obstacles; provision of an arbitrary number and positioning of sensors; etc.

[0286] An example inspection robot 100 may utilize downforce capabilities for sensor sleds 1, such as to control proximity and lateral stabilization of sensors. For instance, an embedded magnet (not shown) positioned within the sled 1 may provide passive downforce that increases stabilization for sensor alignment. In another example, the embedded magnet may be an electromagnet providing active capability (e.g., responsive to commands from a controller 802—reference FIG. 8) that provide adjustable or dynamic control of the downforce provided to the sensor sled. In another example, magnetic downforce may be provided through a combination of a passive permanent magnet and an active electromagnet, providing a default minimum magnetic downforce, but with further increases available through the active electromagnet. In embodiments, the electromagnet may be controlled by a circuit where the downforce is set by the operator, controlled by an on-board processor, controlled by a remote processor (e.g., through wireless communications), and the like, where processor control may utilize sensor data measurements to determine the downforce setting. In embodiments, downforce may be provided through suction force, spring force, and the like. In certain embodiments, downforce may be provided by a biasing member, such as a torsion spring or leaf spring, with active or passive control of the downforce—for example positioning a tension or confinement of the spring to control the downforce. In certain embodiments, the magnet, biasing member, or other downforce adjusting member may adjust the downforce on the entire sled 1, on an entire payload 2, and/or just on the sensor (e.g., the sensor has some flexibility to move within the sled 1, and the downforce adjustment acts on the sensor directly).

[0287] An example system 100 includes an apparatus 800 (reference FIG. 8 and the disclosure referencing FIG. 8) for providing enhanced inspection information, including position-based information. The apparatus 800 and operations to provide the position-based information are described in the context of a particular physical arrangement of an industrial system for convenient illustration, however any physical arrangement of an industrial system is contemplated herein. Referencing FIG. 5, an example system includes a number of pipes 502—for example vertically arranged pipes such as steam pipes in a power plant, pipes in a cooling tower, exhaust or effluent gas pipes, or the like. The pipes 502 in FIG. 5 are arranged to create a tower having a circular cross-section for ease of description. In certain embodiments, periodic inspection of the pipes is utilized to ensure that pipe degradation is within limits, to ensure proper operation of the system, to determine maintenance and repair schedules, and/or to comply with policies or regulations. In the example of FIG. 5, an inspection surface 500 includes the inner portion of the tower, whereby an inspection robot 100 traverses the pipes 502 (e.g., vertically, inspecting one or more pipes on each vertical run). An example inspection robot 100 includes configurable payloads 2, and may include ultra-sonic sensors (e.g., to determine wall thickness and/or pipe integrity), magnetic sensors (e.g., to determine the presence and/or thickness of a coating on a pipe), cameras (e.g., to provide for visual inspection, including in EM ranges outside of the visual range, temperatures, etc.), composition sensors (e.g., gas chromatography in the area near the pipe, spectral sensing to detect leaks or anomalous operation, etc.), temperature sensing, pressure sensing (ambient and/or specific pressures), vibration sensing, density sensing, etc. The type of sensing performed by the inspection robot 100 is not limiting to the present disclosure except where specific features are described in relation to specific sensing challenges and opportunities for those sensed parameters as will be understood to one of skill in the art having the benefit of the disclosures herein.

[0288] In certain embodiments, the inspection robot 100 has alternatively or additionally, payload(s) 2 configured to provide for marking of aspects of the inspection surface 500 (e.g., a paint sprayer, an invisible or UV ink sprayer, and/or a virtual marking device configured to mark the inspection surface 500 in a memory location of a computing device but not physically), to repair a portion of the inspection surface 500 (e.g., apply a coating, provide a welding operation, apply a temperature treatment, install a patch, etc.), and/or to provide for a cleaning operation. Referencing FIG. 6, an example inspection robot 100 is depicted in position on the inspection surface 500 at a location. In the example, the inspection robot 100 traverses vertically and is positioned between two pipes 502, with payloads 2 configured to clean, sense, treat, and/or mark two adjacent pipes 502 in a single inspection run. The inspection robot 100 in the example includes two payloads 2 at the “front” (ahead of the robot housing in the movement direction) and two payloads 2 at the “rear” (behind the robot housing in the movement direction). The inspection robot 100 may include any arrangement of payloads 2, including just one or more payloads in front or behind, just one or more payloads off to either or both sides, and combinations of these. Additionally or alternatively, the inspection robot 100 may be positioned on a single pipe, and/or may traverse between positions during an inspection operation, for example to inspect selected areas of the inspection surface 500 and/or to traverse obstacles which may be present.

[0289] In certain embodiments, a “front” payload 2 includes sensors configured to determine properties of the inspection surface, and a “rear” payload 2 includes a responsive payload, such as an enhanced sensor, a cleaning device such as a sprayer, scrubber, and/or scraper, a marking device, and/or a repair device. The front-back arrangement of payloads 2 provides for adjustments, cleaning, repair, and/or marking of the inspection surface 500 in a single run—for example where an anomaly, gouge, weld line, area for repair, previously repaired area, past inspection area, etc., is sensed by the front payload 2, the anomaly can be marked, cleaned, repaired, etc. without requiring an additional run of the inspection robot 100 or a later visit by repair personnel. In another example, a first calibration of sensors for the front payload may be determined to be incorrect (e.g., a front ultra-sonic sensor calibrated for a particular coating thickness present on the pipes 502) and a rear sensor can include an adjusted calibration to account for the detected aspect (e.g., the rear sensor calibrated for the observed thickness of the coating). In another example, certain enhanced sensing operations may be expensive, time consuming, consume more resources (e.g., a gamma ray source, an alternate coupling such as a non-water or oil-based acoustic coupler, require a high energy usage, require greater processing resources, and/or incur usage charges to an inspection client for any reason) and the inspection robot 100 can thereby only utilize the enhanced sensing operations selectively and in response to observed conditions.

[0290] Referencing FIG. 7, a location 702 on the inspection surface 500 is identified for illustration. In certain embodiments, the inspection robot 100 and/or apparatus 800 includes a controller 802 having a number of circuits structured to functionally execute operations of the controller 802. The controller 802 may be a single device (e.g., a computing device present on the robot 100, a computing device in communication with the robot 100 during operations and/or post-processing information communicated after inspection operations, etc.) and/or a combination of devices, such as a portion of the controller 802 positioned on the robot 100, a portion of the controller 802 positioned on a computing device in communication with the robot 100, a portion of the controller 802 positioned on a handheld device (not shown) of an inspection operator, and/or a portion of the controller 802 positioned on a computing device networked with one or more of the preceding devices. Additionally or alternatively, aspects of the controller 802 may be included on one or more logic circuits, embedded controllers, hardware configured to perform certain aspects of the controller 802 operations, one or more sensors, actuators, network communication infrastructure (including wired connections, wireless connections, routers, switches, hubs, transmitters, and/or receivers), and/or a tether between the robot 100 and another computing device. The described aspects of the example controller 802 are non-limiting examples, and any configuration of the robot 100 and devices in communication with the robot 100 to perform all or selected ones of operations of the controller 802 are contemplated herein as aspects of an example controller 802.

[0291] An example controller 802 includes an inspection data circuit 804 that interprets inspection data 812—for example sensed information from sensors mounted on the payload and determining aspects of the inspection surface 500, the status, deployment, and/or control of marking devices, cleaning devices, and/or repair devices, and/or post-processed information from any of these such as a wall thickness determined from ultra-sonic data, temperature information determined from imaging data, and the like. The example controller 802 further includes a robot positioning circuit 806 that interprets position data 814. An example robot positioning circuit 806 determines position data by any available method, including at least triangulating (or other positioning methods) from a number of available wireless devices (e.g., routers available in the area of the inspection surface 500, intentionally positioned transmitters/transceivers, etc.), a distance of travel measurement (e.g., a wheel rotation counter which may be mechanical, electro-magnetic, visual, etc.; a barometric pressure measurement; direct visual determinations such as radar, Lidar, or the like), a reference measurement (e.g., determined from distance to one or more reference points); a time-based measurement (e.g., based upon time and travel speed); and/or a dead reckoning measurement such as integration of detection movements. In the example of FIG. 5, a position measurement may include a height determination combined with an azimuthal angle measurement and/or a pipe number value such that the inspection surface 500 location is defined thereby. Any coordinate system and/or position description system is contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the controller 802 includes a processed data circuit 808 that combines the inspection data 812 with the position data 814 to determine position-based inspection data. The operations of the processed data circuit 808 may be performed at any time—for example during operations of the inspection robot 100 such that inspection data 812 is stored with position data 814, during a post-processing operation which may be completed separately from the inspection robot 100, and/or which may be performed after the inspection is completed, and/or which may be commenced while the inspection is being performed. In certain embodiments, the linking of the position data 814 with the inspection data 812 may be performed if the linked position-inspection data is requested—for example upon a request by a client for an inspection map 818. In certain embodiments, portions of the inspection data 812 are linked to the position data 814 at a first time, and other portions of the inspection data 812 are linked to the position data 814 at a later time and/or in response to post-processing operations, an inspection map 818 request, or other subsequent event.

[0292] The example controller 802 further includes an inspection visualization circuit 810 that determines the inspection map 818 in response to the inspection data 812 and the position data 814, for example using post-processed information from the processed data circuit 808. In a further example, the inspection visualization circuit 810 determines the inspection map 818 in response to an inspection visualization request 820, for example from a client computing device 826. In the example, the client computing device 826 may be communicatively coupled to the controller 802 over the internet, a network, through the operations of a web application, and the like. In certain embodiments, the client computing device 826 securely logs in to control access to the inspection map 818, and the inspection visualization circuit 810 may prevent access to the inspection map 818, and/or provide only portions of the inspection map 818, depending upon the successful login from the client computing device 826, the authorizations for a given user of the client computing device 826, and the like.

[0293] In certain embodiments, the inspection visualization circuit 810 and/or inspection data circuit 804 further accesses system data 816, such as a time of the inspection, a calendar date of the inspection, the robot 100 utilized during the inspection and/or the configurations of the robot 100, a software version utilized during the inspection, calibration and/or sensor processing options selected during the inspection, and/or any other data that may be of interest in characterizing the inspection, that may be requested by a client, that may be required by a policy and/or regulation, and/or that may be utilized for improvement to subsequent inspections on the same inspection surface 500 or another inspection surface. In certain embodiments, the processed data circuit 808 combines the system data 816 with the processed data for the inspection data 812 and/or the position data 814, and/or the inspection visualization circuit incorporates the system data 816 or portions thereof into the inspection map 818. In certain embodiments, any or all aspects of the inspection data 812, position data 814, and/or system data 816 may be stored as meta-data (e.g., not typically available for display), may be accessible in response to prompts, further selections, and/or requests from the client computing device 826, and/or may be utilized in certain operations with certain identifiable aspects removed (e.g., to remove personally identifiable information or confidential aspects) such as post-processing to improve future inspection operations, reporting for marketing or other purposes, or the like.

[0294] In certain embodiments, the inspection visualization circuit 810 is further responsive to a user focus value 822 to update the inspection map 818 and/or to provide further information (e.g., focus data 824) to a user, such as a user of the client computing device 826. For example, a user focus value 822 (e.g., a user mouse position, menu selection, touch screen indication, keystroke, or other user input value indicating that a portion of the inspection map 818 has received the user focus) indicates that a location 702 of the inspection map 818 has the user focus, and the inspection visualization circuit 810 generates the focus data 824 in response to the user focus value 822, including potentially the location 702 indicated by the user focus value 822.

[0295] Referencing FIG. 9, an example inspection map 818 is depicted. In the example, the inspection surface 500 may be similar to that depicted in FIG. 5—for example the interior surface of tower formed by a number of pipes to be inspected. The example inspection map 818 includes an azimuthal indication 902 and a height indication 904, with data from the inspection depicted on the inspection map 818 (e.g., shading at 906 indicating inspection data corresponding to that visual location). Example and non-limiting inspection maps 818 include numeric values depicted on the visualization, colors, shading or hatching, and/or any other visual depiction method. In certain embodiments, more than one inspection dimension may be visualized (e.g., temperatures and wall thickness), and/or the inspection dimension may be selected or changed by the user. Additionally or alternatively, physical elements such as obstacles, build up on the inspection surface, weld lines, gouges, repaired sections, photos of the location (e.g., the inspection map 818 laid out over a panoramic photograph of the inspection surface 500 with data corresponding to the physical location depicted), may be depicted with or as a part of the inspection map 818. Additionally or alternatively, visual markers may be positioned on the inspection map 818—for example, a red “X” (or any other symbol, including a color, bolded area, highlight, image data, a thumbnail, etc.) at a location of interest on the map—which marking may be physically present on the actual inspection surface 500 or only virtually depicted on the inspection map 818. It can be seen that the inspection map 818 provides for a convenient and powerful reference tool for a user to determine the results of the inspection operation and plan for future maintenance, repair, or inspections, as well as planning logistics in response to the number of aspects of the system requiring further work or analysis and the location of the aspects requiring further work or analysis. Accordingly, inspection results can be analyzed more quickly, regulatory or policy approvals and system up-time can be restored more quickly (if the system was shut-down for the inspection), configurations of an inspection robot 100 for a future inspection can be performed more quickly (e.g. preparing payload 2 configurations, obstacle management, and/or sensor selection or calibration), any of the foregoing can be performed with greater confidence that the results are reliable, and/or any combinations of the foregoing. Additionally or alternatively, less invasive operations can be performed, such as virtual marking which would not leave marks on the inspection surface 500 that might be removed (e.g., accidentally) before they are acted upon, which may remain after being acted upon, or which may create uncertainty as to when the marks were made over the course of multiple inspections and marking generations.

[0296] Referencing FIG. 10, an illustrative example inspection map 818 having focus data 824 is depicted. The example inspection map 818 is responsive to a user focus value 822, such as a mouse cursor 1002 hovering over a portion of the inspection map 818. In the example, the focus data 824 comes up as a tool-tip, although any depiction operations such as output to a file, populating a static window for focus data 824, or any other operations known in the art are contemplated herein. The example focus data 824 includes a date (e.g., of the inspection), a time (e.g., of the inspection), the sensor calibrations utilized for the inspection, and the time to repair (e.g., down-time that would be required, actual repair time that would be required, the estimated time until the portion of the inspection surface 500 will require a repair, or any other description of a “time to repair”). The depicted focus data 824 is a non-limiting example, and any other information of interest may be utilized as focus data 824. In certain embodiments, a user may select the information, or portions thereof, utilized on the inspection map 818—including at least the axes 902, 904 (e.g., units, type of information, relative versus absolute data, etc.) and the depicted data (e.g., units, values depicted, relative versus absolute values, thresholds or cutoffs of interest, processed values such as virtually determined parameters, and/or categorical values such as “PASSED” or “FAILED”). Additionally or alternatively, a user may select the information, or portions thereof, utilized as the focus data 824.

[0297] In certain embodiments, an inspection map 818 (or display) provides an indication of how long a section of the inspection surface 500 is expected to continue under nominal operations, how much material should be added to a section of the inspection surface 500 (e.g., a repair coating or other material), and/or the type of repair that is needed (e.g., wall thickness correction, replacement of a coating, fixing a hole, breach, rupture, etc.).

[0298] Referencing FIG. 41, an apparatus 4100 for determining a facility wear value 4106 is depicted. The example apparatus 4100 includes a facility wear circuit 4102 that determines a facility wear model 4104 corresponding to the inspection surface 500 and/or an industrial facility, industrial system, and/or plant including the inspection surface 500. An example facility wear circuit 4102 accesses a facility wear model 4104, and utilizes the inspection data 812 to determine which portions of the inspection surface 500 will require repair, when they will require repair, what type of repair will be required, and a facility wear value 4106 including a description of how long the inspection surface 500 will last without repair, and/or with selected repairs. In certain embodiments, the facility wear model 4104 includes historical data for the particular facility, system, or plant having the inspection surface 500—for example through empirical observation of previous inspection data 812, when repairs were performed, what types of repairs were performed, and/or how long repaired sections lasted after repairs.

[0299] Additionally or alternatively, the facility wear model 4104 includes data from offset facilities, systems, or plants (e.g., a similar system that operates a similar duty cycle of relevant temperatures, materials, process flow streams, vibration environment, etc. for the inspection surface 500; and which may include inspection data, repair data, and/or operational data from the offset system), canonical data (e.g., pre-entered data based on estimates, modeling, industry standards, or other indirect sources), data from other facilities from the same data client (e.g., an operator, original equipment manufacturer, owner, etc. for the inspection surface), and/or user-entered data (e.g., from an inspection operator and/or client of the data) such as assumptions to be utilized, rates of return for financial parameters, policies or regulatory values, and/or characterizations of experience in similar systems that may be understood based on the experience of the user. Accordingly, operations of the facility wear circuit 4102 can provide an overview of repair operations recommended for the inspection surface 500, including specific time frame estimates of when such repairs will be required, as well as a number of options for repair operations and how long they will last.

[0300] In certain embodiments, the facility wear value 4106, and/or facility wear value 4106 displayed on an inspection map 818, allows for strategic planning of repair operations, and/or coordinating the life cycle of the facility including the inspection surface 500—for example performing a short-term repair at a given time, which might not be intuitively the “best” repair operation, but in view of a larger repair cycle that is upcoming for the facility. Additionally or alternatively, we facility wear value 4106 allows for a granular review of the inspection surface 500—for example to understand operational conditions that drive high wear, degradation, and/or failure conditions of aspects of the inspection surface 500. In certain embodiments, repair data and/or the facility wear value 4106 are provided in a context distinct from an inspection map 818—for example as part of an inspection report (not shown), as part of a financial output related to the system having the inspection surface (e.g., considering the costs and shutdown times implicated by repairs, and/or risks associated with foregoing a repair).

[0301] Referencing FIG. 42, a procedure 4200 for determining a facility wear value is depicted schematically. An example procedure 4200 includes an operation 4202 to interpret inspection data for an inspection surface, and an operation 4204 to access a facility wear model. The example procedure 4200 further includes an operation 4206 to determine a facility wear value in response to the inspection data and the facility wear model. The example procedure 4200 further includes an operation 4208 to provide the facility wear value—for example as a portion of an inspection map, an inspection report, and/or a financial report for a facility having the inspection surface.

[0302] In embodiments, the robotic vehicle may incorporate a number of sensors distributed across a number of sensor sleds 1, such as with a single sensor mounted on a single sensor sled 1, a number of sensors mounted on a single sensor sled 1, a number of sensor sleds 1 arranged in a linear configuration perpendicular to the direction of motion (e.g., side-to-side across the robotic vehicle), arranged in a linear configuration along the direction of motion (e.g., multiple sensors on a sensor sled 1 or multiple sensor sleds 1 arranged to cover the same surface location one after the other as the robotic vehicle travels). Additionally or alternatively, a number of sensors may be arranged in a two-dimensional surface area, such as by providing sensor coverage in a distributed manner horizontally and/or vertically (e.g., in the direction of travel), including offset sensor positions (e.g., reference FIG. 14). In certain embodiments, the utilization of payloads 2 with sensor sleds mounted thereon enables rapid configuration of sensor placement as desired, sleds 1 on a given payload 2 can be further adjusted, and/or sensor(s) on a given sled can be changed or configured as desired.

[0303] In certain embodiments, two payloads 2 side-by-side allow for a wide horizontal coverage of sensing for a given travel of the inspection robot 100—for example as depicted in FIG. 1. In certain embodiments, a payload 2 is coupled to the inspection robot 100 with a pin or other quick-disconnect arrangement, allowing for the payload 2 to be removed, to be reconfigured separately from the inspection robot 100, and/or to be replaced with another payload 2 configured in a desired manner. The payload 2 may additionally have a couplant connection to the inspection robot 100 (e.g., reference FIG. 29—where a single couplant connection provides coupling connectivity to all sleds 1A and 1B) and/or an electrical connection to the inspection robot 100. Each sled may include a couplant connection conduit where the couplant connection conduit is coupled to a payload couplant connection at the upstream end and is coupled to the couplant entry of the cone at the downstream end. Multiple payload couplant connections on a single payload may be coupled together to form a single couplant connection between the payload and the inspection robot. The single couplant connection per payload facilitates the changing of the payload without having to connect/disconnect the couplant line connections at each sled. The couplant connection conduit between the payload couplant connection and the couplant entry of the cone facilitates connecting/disconnecting a sled from a payload without having to connect/disconnect the couplant connection conduit from the couplant entry of the cone. The couplant and/or electrical connections may include power for the sensors as required, and/or communication coupling (e.g., a datalink or network connection). Additionally or alternatively, sensors may communicate wirelessly to the inspection robot 100 or to another computing device, and/or sensors may store data in a memory associated with the sensor, sled 1, or payload 2, which may be downloaded at a later time. Any other connection type required for a payload 2, such as compressed air, paint, cleaning solutions, repair spray solutions, or the like, may similarly be coupled from the payload 2 to the inspection robot 100.

[0304] The horizontal configuration of sleds 1 (and sensors) is selectable to achieve the desired inspection coverage. For example, sleds 1 may be positioned to provide a sled running on each of a selected number of pipes of an inspection surface, positioned such that several sleds 1 combine on a single pipe of an inspection surface (e.g., providing greater radial inspection resolution for the pipe), and/or at selected horizontal distances from each other (e.g., to provide 1 inch resolution, 2 inch resolution, 3 inch resolution, etc.). In certain embodiments, the degrees of freedom of the sensor sleds 1 (e.g., from pivots 16, 17, 18) allow for distributed sleds 1 to maintain contact and orientation with complex surfaces.

[0305] In certain embodiments, sleds 1 are articulable to a desired horizontal position. For example, quick disconnects may be provided (pins, claims, set screws, etc.) that allow for the sliding of a sled 1 to any desired location on a payload 2, allowing for any desired horizontal positioning of the sleds 1 on the payload 2. Additionally or alternatively, sleds 1 may be movable horizontally during inspection operations. For example, a worm gear or other actuator may be coupled to the sled 1 and operable (e.g., by a controller 802) to position the sled 1 at a desired horizontal location. In certain embodiments, only certain ones of the sleds 1 are moveable during inspection operations—for example outer sleds 1 for maneuvering past obstacles. In certain embodiments, all of the sleds 1 are moveable during inspection operations—for example to support arbitrary inspection resolution (e.g., horizontal resolution, and/or vertical resolution), to configure the inspection trajectory of the inspection surface, or for any other reason. In certain embodiments, the payload 2 is horizontally moveable before or during inspection operations. In certain embodiments, an operator configures the payload 2 and/or sled 1 horizontal positions before inspection operations (e.g., before or between inspection runs). In certain embodiments, an operator or a controller 802 configures the payload 2 and/or sled 1 horizontal positions during inspection operations. In certain embodiments, an operator can configure the payload 2 and/or sled 1 horizontal positions remotely, for example communicating through a tether or wirelessly to the inspection robot.

[0306] The vertical configuration of sleds 1 is selectable to achieve the desired inspection coverage (e.g., horizontal resolution, vertical resolution, and/or redundancy). For example, referencing FIG. 13, multiple payloads 2 are positioned on a front side of the inspection robot 100, with forward payloads 2006 and rear payloads 1402. In certain embodiments, a payload 2 may include a forward payload 2006 and a rear payload 1402 in a single hardware device (e.g., with a single mounting position to the inspection robot 100), and/or may be independent payloads 2 (e.g., with a bracket extending from the inspection robot 100 past the rear payload 1402 for mounting the forward payloads 2006). In the example of FIG. 13, the rear payload 1402 and front payload 2006 include sleds 1 mounted thereupon which are in vertical alignment 1302—for example a given sled 1 of the rear payload 1402 traverses the same inspection position (or horizontal lane) of a corresponding sled 1 of the forward payload 2006. The utilization of aligned payloads 2 provides for a number of capabilities for the inspection robot 100, including at least: redundancy of sensing values (e.g., to develop higher confidence in a sensed value); the utilization of more than one sensing calibration for the sensors (e.g., a front sensor utilizes a first calibration set, and a rear sensor utilizes a second calibration set); the adjustment of sensing operations for a rear sensor relative to a forward sensor (e.g., based on the front sensed parameter, a rear sensor can operate at an adjusted range, resolution, sampling rate, or calibration); the utilization of a rear sensor in response to a front sensor detected value (e.g., a rear sensor may be a high cost sensor—either high power, high computing/processing requirements, an expensive sensor to operate, etc.) where the utilization of the rear sensor can be conserved until a front sensor indicates that a value of interest is detected; the operation of a repair, marking, cleaning, or other capability rear payload 1402 that is responsive to the detected values of the forward payload 2006; and/or for improved vertical resolution of the sensed values (e.g., if the sensor has a given resolution of detection in the vertical direction, the front and rear payloads can be operated out of phase to provide for improved vertical resolution).

[0307] In another example, referencing FIG. 14, multiple payloads 2 are positioned on the front of the inspection robot 100, with sleds 1 mounted on the front payload 2006 and rear payload 1402 that are not aligned (e.g., lane 1304 is not shared between sleds of the front payload 2006 and rear payload 1402). The utilization of not aligned payloads 2 allows for improved resolution in the horizontal direction for a given number of sleds 1 mounted on each payload 2. In certain embodiments, not aligned payloads may be utilized where the hardware space on a payload 2 is not sufficient to conveniently provide a sufficient number or spacing of sleds 1 to achieve the desired horizontal coverage. In certain embodiments, not aligned payloads may be utilized to limit the number of sleds 1 on a given payload 2, for example to provide for a reduced flow rate of couplant through a given payload-inspection robot connection, to provide for a reduced load on an electrical coupling (e.g., power supply and/or network communication load) between a given payload and the inspection robot. While the examples of FIGS. 13 and 14 depict aligned or not aligned sleds for convenience of illustration, a given inspection robot 100 may be configured with both aligned and not aligned sleds 1, for example to reduce mechanical loads, improve inspection robot balance, in response to inspection surface constraints, or the like.

[0308] It can be seen that sensors may be modularly configured on the robotic vehicle to collect data on specific locations across the surface of travel (e.g., on a top surface of an object, on the side of an object, between objects, and the like), repeat collection of data on the same surface location (e.g., two sensors serially collecting data from the same location, either with the same sensor type or different sensor types), provide predictive sensing from a first sensor to determine if a second sensor should take data on the same location at a second time during a single run of the robotic vehicle (e.g., an ultra-sonic sensor mounted on a leading sensor sled taking data on a location determines that a gamma-ray measurement should be taken for the same location by a sensor mounted on a trailing sensor sled configured to travel over the same location as the leading sensor), provide redundant sensor measurements from a plurality of sensors located in leading and trailing locations (e.g., located on the same or different sensor sleds to repeat sensor data collection), and the like.

[0309] In certain embodiments, the robotic vehicle includes sensor sleds with one sensor and sensor sleds with a plurality of sensors. A number of sensors arranged on a single sensor sled may be arranged with the same sensor type across the direction of robotic vehicle travel (e.g., perpendicular to the direction of travel, or “horizontal”) to increase coverage of that sensor type (e.g., to cover different surfaces of an object, such as two sides of a pipe), arranged with the same sensor type along the direction of robotic vehicle travel (e.g., parallel to the direction of travel, or “vertical”) to provide redundant coverage of that sensor type over the same location (e.g., to ensure data coverage, to enable statistical analysis based on multiple measurements over the same location), arranged with a different sensor type across the direction of robotic vehicle travel to capture a diversity of sensor data in side-by-side locations along the direction of robotic vehicle travel (e.g., providing both ultra-sonic and conductivity measurements at side-by-side locations), arranged with a different sensor type along the direction of robotic vehicle travel to provide predictive sensing from a leading sensor to a trailing sensor (e g, running a trailing gamma-ray sensor measurement only if a leading ultra-sonic sensor measurement indicates the need to do so), combinations of any of these, and the like. The modularity of the robotic vehicle may permit exchanging sensor sleds with the same sensor configuration (e.g., replacement due to wear or failure), different sensor configurations (e.g., adapting the sensor arrangement for different surface applications), and the like.

[0310] Providing for multiple simultaneous sensor measurements over a surface area, whether for taking data from the same sensor type or from different sensor types, provides the ability to maximize the collection of sensor data in a single run of the robotic vehicle. If the surface over which the robotic vehicle was moving were perfectly flat, the sensor sled could cover a substantial surface with an array of sensors. However, the surface over which the robotic vehicle travels may be highly irregular, and have obstacles over which the sensor sleds must adjust, and so the preferred embodiment for the sensor sled is relatively small with a highly flexible orientation, as described herein, where a plurality of sensor sleds is arranged to cover an area along the direction of robotic vehicle travel. Sensors may be distributed amongst the sensor sleds as described for individual sensor sleds (e.g., single sensor per sensor sled, multiple sensors per sensor sled (arranged as described herein)), where total coverage is achieved through a plurality of sensor sleds mounted to the robotic vehicle. One such embodiment, as introduced herein, such as depicted in FIG. 1, comprises a plurality of sensor sleds arranged linearly across the direction of robotic vehicle travel, where the plurality of sensor sleds is capable of individually adjusting to the irregular surface as the robotic vehicle travels. Further, each sensor sled may be positioned to accommodate regular characteristics in the surface (e.g., positioning sensor sleds to ride along a selected portion of a pipe aligned along the direction of travel), to provide for multiple detections of a pipe or tube from a number of radial positions, sensor sleds may be shaped to accommodate the shape of regular characteristics in the surface (e.g., rounded surface of a pipe), and the like. In this way, the sensor sled arrangement may accommodate both the regular characteristics in the surface (e.g., a series of features along the direction of travel) and irregular characteristics along the surface (e.g., obstacles that the sensor sleds flexibly mitigate during travel along the surface).

[0311] Although FIG. 1 depicts a linear arrangement of sensor sleds with the same extension (e.g., the same connector arm length), another example arrangement may include sensor sleds with different extensions, such as where some sensor sleds are arranged to be positioned further out, mounted on longer connection arms. This arrangement may have the advantage of allowing a greater density of sensors across the configuration, such as where a more leading sensor sled could be positioned linearly along the configuration between two more trailing sensor sleds such that sensors are provided greater linear coverage than would be possible with all the sensor sleds positioned side-by-side. This configuration may also allow improved mechanical accommodation between the springs and connectors that may be associated with connections of sensor sleds to the arms and connection assembly (e.g., allowing greater individual movement of sensor sleds without the sensor sleds making physical contact with one another).

[0312] Referring to FIG. 13, an example configuration of sensor sleds includes the forward sensor sled array 2006 ahead of the rear sled array 1402, such as where each utilizes a sensor sled connector assembly 2004 for mounting the payloads. Again, although FIG. 13 depicts the sensor sleds arranged on the sensor sled connector assembly 2004 with equal length arms, different length arms may be utilized to position, for instance, sensor sleds of sensor sled array 1402 in intermediate positions between rear sensor sleds of rear payload 1402 and forward sensor sleds of the forward payload 2006. As was the case with the arrangement of a plurality of sensors on a single sensor sled to accommodate different coverage options (e.g., maximizing coverage, predictive capabilities, redundancy, and the like), the extended area configuration of sensors in this multiple sensor sled array arrangement allows similar functionality. For instance, a sensor sled positioned in a lateral position on the forward payload 2006 may provide redundant or predictive functionality for another sensor sled positioned in the same lateral position on the rear payload 1402. In the case of a predictive functionality, the greater travel distance afforded by the separation between a sensor sled mounted on the second sensor sled array 2006 and the sensor sled array 1402 may provide for additional processing time for determining, for instance, whether the sensor in the trailing sensor sled should be activated. For example, the leading sensor collects sensor data and sends that data to a processing function (e.g., wired communication to on-board or external processing, wireless communication to external processing), the processor takes a period of time to determine if the trailing sensor should be activated, and after the determination is made, activates the trailing sensor. The separation of the two sensors, divided by the rate of travel of the robotic vehicle, determines the time available for processing. The greater the distance, the greater the processing time allowed. Referring to FIG. 15, in another example, distance is increased further by utilizing a trailing payload 2008, thus increasing the distance and processing time further. Additionally or alternatively, the hardware arrangement of FIG. 15 may provide for more convenient integration of the trailing payload 2008 rather than having multiple payloads 1402, 2006 in front of the inspection robot 100. In certain embodiments, certain operations of a payload 2 may be easier or more desirable to perform on a trailing side of the inspection robot 100—such as spraying of painting, marking, or repair fluids, to avoid the inspection robot 100 having to be exposed to such fluids as a remaining mist, by gravity flow, and/or having to drive through the painted, cleaned, or repaired area. In certain embodiments, an inspection robot 100 may additionally or alternatively include both multiple payloads 1402, 2006 in front of the inspection robot (e.g., as depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14) and/or one or more trailing payloads (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 15).

[0313] In another example, the trailing payload 2008 (e.g. a sensor sled array) may provide a greater distance for functions that would benefit the system by being isolated from the sensors in the forward end of the robotic vehicle. For instance, the robotic vehicle may provide for a marking device (e.g., visible marker, UV marker, and the like) to mark the surface when a condition alert is detected (e.g., detecting corrosion or erosion in a pipe at a level exceeding a predefined threshold, and marking the pipe with visible paint).

[0314] Embodiments with multiple sensor sled connector assemblies provide configurations and area distribution of sensors that may enable greater flexibility in sensor data taking and processing, including alignment of same-type sensor sleds allowing for repeated measurements (e.g., the same sensor used in a leading sensor sled as in a trailing sensor sled, such as for redundancy or verification in data taking when leading and trailing sleds are co-aligned), alignment of different-type sensor sleds for multiple different sensor measurements of the same path (e.g., increase the number of sensor types taking data, have the lead sensor provide data to the processor to determine whether to activate the trailing sensor (e.g., ultra-sonic/gamma-ray, and the like)), off-set alignment of same-type sensor sleds for increased coverage when leading and trailing sleds are off-set from one another with respect to travel path, off-set alignment of different-type sensor sleds for trailing sensor sleds to measure surfaces that have not been disturbed by leading sensor sleds (e.g., when the leading sensor sled is using a couplant), and the like.

[0315] The modular design of the robotic vehicle may provide for a system flexible to different applications and surfaces (e.g., customizing the robot and modules of the robot ahead of time based on the application, and/or during an inspection operation), and to changing operational conditions (e.g., flexibility to changes in surface configurations and conditions, replacement for failures, reconfiguration based on sensed conditions), such as being able to change out sensors, sleds, assemblies of sleds, number of sled arrays, and the like.

[0316] An example inspection robot utilizes a magnet-based wheel design (e.g., reference FIGS. 2A-2B and the related description). Although the inspection robot may utilize flux directing ferromagnetic wheel components, such as ferromagnetic magnet enclosures 3 to minimize the strength of the extended magnetic field, ferromagnetic components within the inspection robot may be exposed to a magnetic field. One component that may experience negative effects from the magnetic field is the gearbox, which may be mounted proximate to the wheel assembly. FIG. 12 illustrates an example gearbox configuration, showing the direction 2083 of magnetic attraction axially along the drive shaft to the wheel (wheel not shown). The magnetic attraction, acting on, in this instance, ferromagnetic gears, results in an axial load applied to the gears, pulling the gears against the gear carrier plates 2082 with forces that the gears would otherwise not experience. This axial load may result in increased friction, heat, energy loss, and wear.

[0317] Referencing FIG. 12, an example arrangement depicts the inclusion of wear-resistant thrust washers 2084, placed to provide a reduced frictional interface between the gears and the adjacent surface. Thus, the negative effects of the axial load are minimized without significant changes to a gearbox design. In a second example, with wheels on opposing sides of the gear box assembly(s), the gearbox configuration of the inspection robot may be spatially arranged such that the net magnetic forces acting on the gears are largely nullified, that is, balanced between forces from a wheel magnet on one side and a second wheel magnet on the other side. Careful layout of the gearbox configuration could thus reduce the net forces acting on the gears. In embodiments, example one and example two may be applied alone or in combination. For instance, the gearbox configuration may be spatially arranged to minimize the net magnetic forces acting on gears, where thrust washers are applied to further reduce the negative effects of any remaining net magnetic forces. In a third example, the negative effects upon the gearbox resulting from magnetic fields may be eliminated by making the gears from non-ferrous materials. Example and non-limiting examples of non-ferrous materials include polyoxymethylene (e.g., Delrin® acetyl resin, etc.), a low- or non-magnetic steel (e.g. 316 stainless steel or 304 stainless steel), and/or aluminum (e.g., 2024 Al). In certain embodiments, other materials such as ceramic, nylon, copper, or brass may be used for gears, depending upon the wear and load requirements of the gearbox, the potential intrusion of water to the gearbox, and/or the acceptable manufacturing costs and tolerances.

[0318] Throughout the present description, certain orientation parameters are described as “horizontal,” “perpendicular,” and/or “across” the direction of travel of the inspection robot, and/or described as “vertical,” “parallel,” and/or in line with the direction of travel of the inspection robot. It is specifically contemplated herein that the inspection robot may be travelling vertically, horizontally, at oblique angles, and/or on curves relative to a ground-based absolute coordinate system. Accordingly, except where the context otherwise requires, any reference to the direction of travel of the inspection robot is understood to include any orientation of the robot—such as an inspection robot traveling horizontally on a floor may have a “vertical” direction for purposes of understanding sled distribution that is in a “horizontal” absolute direction. Additionally, the “vertical” direction of the inspection robot may be a function of time during inspection operations and/or position on an inspection surface—for example as an inspection robot traverses over a curved surface. In certain embodiments, where gravitational considerations or other context based aspects may indicate—vertical indicates an absolute coordinate system vertical—for example in certain embodiments where couplant flow into a cone is utilized to manage bubble formation in the cone. In certain embodiments, a trajectory through the inspection surface of a given sled may be referenced as a “horizontal inspection lane”—for example, the track that the sled takes traversing through the inspection surface.

[0319] Certain embodiments include an apparatus for acoustic inspection of an inspection surface with arbitrary resolution. Arbitrary resolution, as utilized herein, includes resolution of features in geometric space with a selected resolution—for example resolution of features (e.g., cracks, wall thickness, anomalies, etc.) at a selected spacing in horizontal space (e.g., perpendicular to a travel direction of an inspection robot) and/or vertical space (e.g., in a travel direction of an inspection robot). While resolution is described in terms of the travel motion of an inspection robot, resolution may instead be considered in any coordinate system, such as cylindrical or spherical coordinates, and/or along axes unrelated to the motion of an inspection robot. It will be understood that the configurations of an inspection robot and operations described in the present disclosure can support arbitrary resolution in any coordinate system, with the inspection robot providing sufficient resolution as operated, in view of the target coordinate system. Accordingly, for example, where inspection resolution of 6-inches is desired in a target coordinate system that is diagonal to the travel direction of the inspection robot, the inspection robot and related operations described throughout the present disclosure can support whatever resolution is required (whether greater than 6-inches, less than 6-inches, or variable resolution depending upon the location over the inspection surface) to facilitate the 6-inch resolution of the target coordinate system. It can be seen that an inspection robot and/or related operations capable of achieving an arbitrary resolution in the coordinates of the movement of the inspection robot can likewise achieve arbitrary resolution in any coordinate system for the mapping of the inspection surface. For clarity of description, apparatus and operations to support an arbitrary resolution are described in view of the coordinate system of the movement of an inspection robot.

[0320] An example apparatus to support acoustic inspection of an inspection surface includes an inspection robot having a payload and a number of sleds mounted thereon, with the sleds each having at least one acoustic sensor mounted thereon. Accordingly, the inspection robot is capable of simultaneously determining acoustic parameters at a range of positions horizontally. Sleds may be positioned horizontally at a selected spacing, including providing a number of sleds to provide sensors positioned radially around several positions on a pipe or other surface feature of the inspection surface. In certain embodiments, vertical resolution is supported according to the sampling rate of the sensors, and/or the movement speed of the inspection robot. Additionally or alternatively, the inspection robot may have vertically displaced payloads, having an additional number of sleds mounted thereon, with the sleds each having at least one acoustic sensor mounted thereon. The utilization of additional vertically displaced payloads can provide additional resolution, either in the horizontal direction (e.g., where sleds of the vertically displaced payload(s) are offset from sleds in the first payload(s)) and/or in the vertical direction (e.g., where sensors on sleds of the vertically displaced payload(s) are sampling such that sensed parameters are vertically offset from sensors on sleds of the first payload(s)). Accordingly, it can be seen that, even where physical limitations of sled spacing, numbers of sensors supported by a given payload, or other considerations limit horizontal resolution for a given payload, horizontal resolution can be enhanced through the utilization of additional vertically displaced payloads. In certain embodiments, an inspection robot can perform another inspection run over a same area of the inspection surface, for example with sleds tracking in an offset line from a first run, with positioning information to ensure that both horizontal and/or vertical sensed parameters are offset from the first run.

[0321] Accordingly, an apparatus is provided that achieves significant resolution improvements, horizontally and/or vertically, over previously known systems. Additionally or alternatively, an inspection robot performs inspection operations at distinct locations on a descent operation than on an ascent operation, providing for additional resolution improvements without increasing a number of run operations required to perform the inspection (e.g., where an inspection robot ascends an inspection surface, and descends the inspection surface as a normal part of completing the inspection run). In certain embodiments, an apparatus is configured to perform multiple run operations to achieve the selected resolution. It can be seen that the greater the number of inspection runs required to achieve a given spatial resolution, the longer the down time for the system (e.g., an industrial system) being inspected (where a shutdown of the system is required to perform the inspection), the longer the operating time and greater the cost of the inspection, and/or the greater chance that a failure occurs during the inspection. Accordingly, even where multiple inspection runs are required, a reduction in the number of the inspection runs is beneficial.

[0322] In certain embodiments, an inspection robot includes a low fluid loss couplant system, enhancing the number of sensors that are supportable in a given inspection run, thereby enhancing available sensing resolution. In certain embodiments, an inspection robot includes individual down force support for sleds and/or sensors, providing for reduced fluid loss, reduced off-nominal sensing operations, and/or increasing the available number of sensors supportable on a payload, thereby enhancing available sensing resolution. In certain embodiments, an inspection robot includes a single couplant connection for a payload, and/or a single couplant connection for the inspection robot, thereby enhancing reliability and providing for a greater number of sensors on a payload and/or on the inspection robot that are available for inspections under commercially reasonable operations (e.g., configurable for inspection operations with reasonable reliability, checking for leaks, expected to operate without problems over the course of inspection operations, and/or do not require a high level of skill or expensive test equipment to ensure proper operation). In certain embodiments, an inspection robot includes acoustic sensors coupled to acoustic cones, enhancing robust detection operations (e.g., a high percentage of valid sensing data, ease of acoustic coupling of a sensor to an inspection surface, etc.), reducing couplant fluid losses, and/or easing integration of sensors with sleds, thereby supporting an increased number of sensors per payload and/or inspection robot, and enhancing available sensing resolution. In certain embodiments, an inspection robot includes utilizing water as a couplant, thereby reducing fluid pumping losses, reducing risks due to minor leaks within a multiple plumbing line system to support multiple sensors, and/or reducing the impact (environmental, hazard, clean-up, etc.) of performing multiple inspection runs and/or performing an inspection operation with a multiplicity of acoustic sensors operating.

[0323] Referencing FIG. 33, an example procedure 3300 to acoustically inspect an inspection surface with an arbitrary (or selectable) resolution is schematically depicted. The example procedure 3300 includes an operation 3302 to determine a desired resolution of inspection for the surface. The operation 3302 includes determining the desired resolution in whatever coordinate system is considered for the inspection surface, and translating the desired resolution for the coordinate system of the inspection surface to a coordinate system of an inspection robot (e.g., in terms of vertical and horizontal resolution for the inspection robot), if the coordinate system for the inspection surface is distinct from the coordinate system of the inspection robot. The example procedure 3300 further includes an operation 3304 to provide an inspection robot in response to the desired resolution of inspection, the inspection robot having at least one payload, a number of sleds mounted on the payload, and at least one acoustic sensor mounted on each sled. It will be understood that certain sleds on the payload may not have an acoustic sensor mounted thereupon, but for provision of selected acoustic inspection resolution, only the sleds having an acoustic sensor mounted thereupon are considered. In certain embodiments, operation 3304 additionally or alternatively includes one or more operations such as: providing multiple payloads; providing vertically displaced payloads; providing offset sleds on one or more vertically displaced payloads; providing payloads having a single couplant connection for the payload; providing an inspection robot having a single couplant connection for the inspection robot; providing an inspection robot utilizing water as a couplant; providing a down force to the sleds to ensure alignment and/or reduced fluid loss; providing degrees of freedom of movement to the sleds to ensure alignment and/or robust obstacle traversal; providing the sensors coupled to an acoustic cone; and/or configuring a horizontal spacing of the sleds in response to the selected resolution (e.g., spaced to support the selected resolution, spaced to support the selected resolution between an ascent and a descent, and/or spaced to support the selected resolution with a scheduled number of inspection runs).

[0324] The example procedure 3300 further includes an operation 3306 to perform an inspection operation of an inspection surface with arbitrary resolution. For example, operation 3306 includes at least: operating the number of horizontally displaced sensors to achieve the arbitrary resolution; operating vertically displaced payloads in a scheduled manner (e.g., out of phase with the first payload thereby inspecting a vertically distinct set of locations of the inspection surface); operating vertically displaced payloads to enhance horizontal inspection resolution; performing an inspection on a first horizontal track on an ascent, and a second horizontal track distinct from the first horizontal track on a descent; performing an inspection on a first vertical set of points on an ascent, and on a second vertical set of points on a descent (which may be on the same or a distinct horizontal track); and/or performing a plurality of inspection runs where the horizontal and/or vertical inspection positions of the multiple runs are distinct from the horizontal and/or vertical inspection positions of a first run. Certain operations of the example procedure 3300 may be performed by a controller 802.

[0325] While operations of procedure 3300, and an apparatus to provide for arbitrary or selected resolution inspections of a system are described in terms of acoustic sensing, it will be understood that arbitrary or selected resolution of other sensed parameters are contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, acoustic sensing provides specific challenges that are addressed by certain aspects of the present disclosure. However, sensing of any parameter, such as temperature, magnetic or electro-magnetic sensing, infra-red detection, UV detection, composition determinations, and other sensed parameters also present certain challenges addressed by certain aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the provision of multiple sensors in a single inspection run at determinable locations, the utilization of an inspection robot (e.g., instead of a person positioned in the inspection space), including an inspection robot with position sensing, and/or the reduction of sensor interfaces including electrical and communication interfaces, provides for ease of sensing for any sensed parameters at a selected resolution. In certain embodiments, a system utilizes apparatuses and operations herein to achieve arbitrary resolution for acoustic sensing. In certain embodiments, a system additionally or alternatively utilizes apparatuses and operations herein to achieve arbitrary resolution for any sensed parameter.

[0326] Referencing FIG. 34, an example apparatus 3400 is depicted for configuring a trailing sensor inspection scheme in response to a leading sensor inspection value. The example apparatus 3400 includes a controller 802 having an inspection data circuit 804 that interprets lead inspection data 3402 from a lead sensor. Example and non-limiting lead sensors include a sensor mounted on a sled of a forward payload 2006, a sensor mounted on either a forward payload 2006 or a rear payload 1402 of an inspection robot having a trailing payload 2008, and/or a sensor operated on a first run of an inspection robot, where operations of the apparatus 3400 proceed with adjusting operations of a sensor on a subsequent run of the inspection robot (e.g., the first run is ascending, and the subsequent run is descending; the first run is descending, and the subsequent run is ascending; and/or the first run is performed at a first time, and the subsequent run is performed at a second, later, time).

[0327] The example controller 802 further includes a sensor configuration circuit 3404 structured to determine a configuration adjustment 3406 for a trailing sensor. Example and non-limiting trailing sensors include any sensor operating over the same or a substantially similar portion of the inspection surface as the lead sensor, at a later point in time. A trailing sensor may be a sensor positioned on a payload behind the payload having the lead sensor, a physically distinct sensor from the lead sensor operating over the same or a substantially similar portion of the inspection surface after the lead sensor, and/or a sensor that is physically the same sensor as the lead sensor, but reconfigured in some aspect (e.g., sampling parameters, calibrations, inspection robot rate of travel change, etc.). A portion that is substantially similar includes a sensor operating on a sled in the same horizontal track (e.g., in the direction of inspection robot movement) as the lead sensor, a sensor that is sensing a portion of the inspection sensor that is expected to determine the same parameters (e.g., wall thickness in a given area) of the inspection surface as that sensed by the lead sensor, and/or a sensor operating in a space of the inspection area where it is expected that determinations for the lead sensor would be effective in adjusting the trailing sensor. Example and non-limiting determinations for the lead sensor to be effective in adjusting the trailing sensor include pipe thickness determinations for a same pipe and/or same cooling tower, where pipe thickness expectations may affect the calibrations or other settings utilized by the lead and trailing sensors; determination of a coating thickness where the trailing sensor operates in an environment that has experienced similar conditions (e.g., temperatures, flow rates, operating times, etc.) as the conditions experienced by the environment sensed by the lead sensor; and/or any other sensed parameter affecting the calibrations or other settings utilized by the lead and trailing sensors where knowledge gained by the lead sensor could be expected to provide information utilizable for the trailing sensor.

[0328] Example and non-limiting configuration adjustments 3406 include changing of sensing parameters such as cut-off times to observe peak values for ultra-sonic processing, adjustments of rationality values for ultra-sonic processing, enabling of trailing sensors or additional trailing sensors (e.g., X-ray, gamma ray, high resolution camera operations, etc.), adjustment of a sensor sampling rate (e.g., faster or slower), adjustment of fault cut-off values (e.g., increase or decrease fault cutoff values), adjustment of any transducer configurable properties (e.g., voltage, waveform, gain, filtering operations, and/or return detection algorithm), and/or adjustment of a sensor range or resolution value (e.g., increase a range in response to a lead sensing value being saturated or near a range limit, decrease a range in response to a lead sensing value being within a specified range window, and/or increase or decrease a resolution of the trailing sensor). In certain embodiments, a configuration adjustment 3406 to adjust a sampling rate of a trailing sensor includes by changing a movement speed of an inspection robot. Example and non-limiting configuration adjustments include any parameters described in relation to FIGS. 39, 40, and 43-48 and the related descriptions. It can be seen that the knowledge gained from the lead inspection data 3402 can be utilized to adjust the trailing sensor plan which can result more reliable data (e.g., where calibration assumptions appear to be off-nominal for the real inspection surface), the saving of one or more inspection runs (e.g., reconfiguring the sensing plan in real-time to complete a successful sensing run during inspection operations), improved operations for a subsequent portion of a sensing run (e.g., a first inspection run of the inspection surface improves the remaining inspection runs, even if the vertical track of the first inspection run must be repeated), and/or efficient utilization of expensive sensing operations by utilizing such operations only when the lead inspection data 3402 indicates such operations are useful or required. The example controller 802 includes a sensor operation circuit 3408 that adjusts parameters of the trailing sensor in response to the configuration adjustment 3406, and the inspection data circuit 804 interpreting trailing inspection data 3410, wherein the trailing sensors are responsive to the adjusted parameters by the sensor operation circuit.

[0329] Referencing FIG. 35, an example procedure 3500 to configure a trailing sensor in response to a leading sensor value is depicted. The example procedure 3500 includes an operation 3502 to interpret lead inspection data provided by a leading sensor, and an operation 3504 to determine whether the lead inspection data indicates that a trailing sensor configuration should be adjusted. Where the operation 3504 determines that the trailing sensor configuration should be adjusted, the example procedure 3500 includes an operation 3506 to adjust the trailing sensor configuration in response to the lead inspection data. Example and non-limiting operations 3506 to adjust a trailing sensor configuration include changing a calibration for the sensor (e.g., an analog/digital processor configuration, cutoff time values, and/or speed-of-sound values for one or more materials), changing a range or resolution of the trailing sensor, enabling or disabling sensing operations of a trailing sensor, and/or adjusting a speed of travel of an inspection robot. In certain embodiments, operations 3506 include adjusting a horizontal position of a trailing sensor (e.g., where a horizontal position of a sled 1 on a payload 2 is actively controllable by a controller 802, and/or adjusted manually between the lead sensing operation and the trailing sensing operation).

[0330] In certain embodiments, lead inspection data 3402 includes ultra-sonic information such as processed ultra-sonic information from a sensor, and the sensor configuration circuit 3404 determines to utilize a consumable, slower, and/or more expensive sensing, repair, and/or marking operation by providing a configuration adjustment 3406 instructing a trailing sensor to operate, or to change nominal operations, in response to the lead inspection data 3402. For example, lead inspection data 3402 may indicate a thin wall, and sensor configuration circuit 3404 provides the configuration adjustment 3406 to alter a trailing operation such as additional sensing with a more capable sensor (e.g., a more expensive or capable ultra-sonic sensor, an X-ray sensor, a gamma ray sensor, or the like) and/or to operate a repair or marking tool (e.g., which may have a limited or consumable amount of coating material, marking material, or the like) at the location determined to have the thin wall. Accordingly, expense, time, and/or operational complication can be added to inspection operations in a controlled manner according to the lead inspection data 3402.

[0331] An example apparatus is disclosed to perform an inspection of an industrial surface. Many industrial surfaces are provided in hazardous locations, including without limitation where heavy or dangerous mechanical equipment operates, in the presence of high temperature environments, in the presence of vertical hazards, in the presence of corrosive chemicals, in the presence of high pressure vessels or lines, in the presence of high voltage electrical conduits, equipment connected to and/or positioned in the vicinity of an electrical power connection, in the presence of high noise, in the presence of confined spaces, and/or with any other personnel risk feature present. Accordingly, inspection operations often include a shutdown of related equipment, and/or specific procedures to mitigate fall hazards, confined space operations, lockout-tagout procedures, or the like. In certain embodiments, the utilization of an inspection robot allows for an inspection without a shutdown of the related equipment. In certain embodiments, the utilization of an inspection robot allows for a shutdown with a reduced number of related procedures that would be required if personnel were to perform the inspection. In certain embodiments, the utilization of an inspection robot provides for a partial shutdown to mitigate some factors that may affect the inspection operations and/or put the inspection robot at risk, but allows for other operations to continue. For example, it may be acceptable to position the inspection robot in the presence of high pressure or high voltage components, but operations that generate high temperatures may be shut down.

[0332] In certain embodiments, the utilization of an inspection robot provides additional capabilities for operation. For example, an inspection robot having positional sensing within an industrial environment can request shutdown of only certain aspects of the industrial system that are related to the current position of the inspection robot, allowing for partial operations as the inspection is performed. In another example, the inspection robot may have sensing capability, such as temperature sensing, where the inspection robot can opportunistically inspect aspects of the industrial system that are available for inspection, while avoiding other aspects or coming back to inspect those aspects when operational conditions allow for the inspection. Additionally, in certain embodiments, it is acceptable to risk the industrial robot (e.g., where shutting down operations exceed the cost of the loss of the industrial robot) to perform an inspection that has a likelihood of success, where such risks would not be acceptable for personnel. In certain embodiments, a partial shutdown of a system has lower cost than a full shutdown, and/or can allow the system to be kept in a condition where restart time, startup operations, etc. are at a lower cost or reduced time relative to a full shutdown. In certain embodiments, the enhanced cost, time, and risk of performing additional operations beyond mere shutdown, such as compliance with procedures that would be required if personnel were to perform the inspection, can be significant.

[0333] Referencing FIG. 36, an example apparatus 3600 to inspect a plant, industrial system, and/or inspection surface utilizing position information is depicted schematically. The example apparatus 3600 includes a position definition circuit 3602 that interprets position information 3604, and/or determines a plant position definition 3606 (e.g., a plant definition value) and an inspection robot position (e.g., as one or more plant position values 3614) in response to the position information 3604. Example and non-limiting position information 3604 includes relative and/or absolute position information—for example, a distance from a reference position (e.g., a starting point, stopping point, known object in proximity to the plant, industrial system, and/or inspection surface, or the like). In certain embodiments, position information 3604 is determinable according to a global positioning service (GPS) device, ultra-wide band radio frequency (RF) signaling, LIDAR or other direct distance measurement devices (including line-of-sight and/or sonar devices), aggregating from reference points (e.g., routers, transmitters, know devices in communication with the inspection robot, or the like), utilizing known obstacles as a reference point, encoders (e.g., a wheel counter or other device), barometric sensors (e.g., altitude determination), utilization of a known sensed value correlated to position (e.g., sound volume or frequency, temperature, vibration, etc.), and/or utilizing an inertial measurement unit (e.g., measuring and/or calculating utilizing an accelerometer and/or gyroscope). In certain embodiments, values may be combined to determine the position information 3604—for example in 3-D space without further information, four distance measurements are ordinarily required to determine a specific position value. However, utilizing other information, such as a region of the inspection surface that the inspection robot is operating on (e.g., which pipe the inspection robot is climbing), an overlay of the industrial surface over the measurement space, a distance traveled from a reference point, a distance to a reference point, etc., the number of distance measurements required to determine a position value can be reduced to three, two, one, or even eliminated and still position information 3604 is determinable. In certain embodiments, the position definition circuit 3602 determines the position information 3604 completely or partially on dead reckoning (e.g., accumulating speed and direction from a known position, and/or direction combined with a distance counter), and/or corrects the position information 3604 when feedback based position data (e.g., a true detected position) is available.

[0334] Example and non-limiting plant position values 3608 include the robot position information 3604 integrated within a definition of the plant space, such as the inspection surface, a defined map of a portion of the plant or industrial system, and/or the plant position definition 3606. In certain embodiments, the plant space is predetermined, for example as a map interpreted by the controller 802 and/or pre-loaded in a data file describing the space of the plant, inspection surface, and/or a portion of the plant or industrial surface. In certain embodiments, the plant position definition 3606 is created in real-time by the position definition circuit 3602—for example by integrating the position information 3604 traversed by the inspection robot, and/or by creating a virtual space that includes the position information 3604 traversed by the inspection robot. For example, the position definition circuit 3602 may map out the position information 3604 over time, and create the plant position definition 3606 as the aggregate of the position information 3604, and/or create a virtual surface encompassing the aggregated plant position values 3614 onto the surface. In certain embodiments, the position definition circuit 3602 accepts a plant shape value 3608 as an input (e.g., a cylindrical tank being inspected by the inspection robot having known dimensions), deduces the plant shape value 3608 from the aggregated position information 3604 (e.g., selecting from one of a number of simple or available shapes that are consistent with the aggregated plant position definition 3606), and/or prompts a user (e.g., an inspection operator and/or a client for the data) to select one of a number of available shapes to determine the plant position definition 3606.

[0335] The example apparatus 3600 includes a data positioning circuit 3610 that interprets inspection data 3612 and correlates the inspection data 3612 to the position information 3604 and/or to the plant position values 3614. Example and non-limiting inspection data 3612 includes: sensed data by an inspection robot; environmental parameters such as ambient temperature, pressure, time-of-day, availability and/or strength of wireless communications, humidity, etc.; image data, sound data, and/or video data taken during inspection operations; metadata such as an inspection number, customer number, operator name, etc.; setup parameters such as the spacing and positioning of sleds, payloads, mounting configuration of sensors, and the like; calibration values for sensors and sensor processing; and/or operational parameters such as fluid flow rates, voltages, pivot positions for the payload and/or sleds, inspection robot speed values, downforce parameters, etc. In certain embodiments, the data positioning circuit 3610 determines the positional information 3604 corresponding to inspection data 3612 values, and includes the positional information 3604 as an additional parameter with the inspection data 3612 values and/or stores a correspondence table or other data structure to relate the positional information 3604 to the inspection data values 3612. In certain embodiments, the data positioning circuit 3610 additionally or alternatively determines the plant position definition 3606, and includes a plant position value 3614 (e.g., as a position within the plant as defined by the plant position definition 3606) as an additional parameter with the inspection data 3612 values and/or stores a correspondence table or other data structure to relate the plant position values 3614 to the inspection data values 3612. In certain embodiments, the data positioning circuit 3610 creates position informed data 3616, including one or more, or all, aspects of the inspection data 3612 correlated to the position information 3604 and/or to the plant position values 3614.

[0336] In certain embodiments, for example where dead reckoning operations are utilized to provide position information 3604 over a period of time, and then a corrected position is available through a feedback position measurement, the data positioning circuit 3602 updates the position informed inspection data 3616—for example re-scaling the data according to the estimated position for values according to the changed feedback position (e.g., where the feedback position measurement indicates the inspection robot traveled 25% further than expected by dead reckoning, position information 3604 during the dead reckoning period can be extended by 25%) and/or according to rationalization determinations or externally available data (e.g., where over 60 seconds the inspection robot traverses 16% less distance than expected, but sensor readings or other information indicate the inspection robot may have been stuck for 10 seconds, then the position information 3604 may be corrected to represent the 10-seconds of non-motion rather than a full re-scale of the position informed inspection data 3616). In certain embodiments, dead reckoning operations may be corrected based on feedback measurements as available, and/or in response to the feedback measurement indicating that the dead reckoning position information exceeds a threshold error value (e.g., 1%, 0.1%, 0.01%, etc.).

[0337] It can be seen that the operations of apparatus 3600 provide for position-based inspection information. Certain systems, apparatuses, and procedures throughout the present disclosure utilize and/or can benefit from position informed inspection data 3616, and all such embodiments are contemplated herein. Without limitation to any other disclosures herein, certain aspects of the present disclosure include: providing a visualization of inspection data 3612 in position information 3604 space and/or in plant position value 3614 space; utilizing the position informed inspection data 3616 in planning for a future inspection on the same or a similar plant, industrial system, and/or inspection surface (e.g., configuring sled number and spacing, inspection robot speed, inspection robot downforce for sleds and/or sensors, sensor calibrations, planning for traversal and/or avoidance of obstacles, etc.); providing a format for storing a virtual mark (e.g., replacing a paint or other mark with a virtual mark as a parameter in the inspection data 3612 correlated to a position); determining a change in a plant condition in response to the position informed inspection data 3616 (e.g., providing an indication that expected position information 3604 did not occur in accordance with the plant position definition 3606—for example indicating a failure, degradation, or unexpected object in a portion of the inspected plant that is not readily visible); and/or providing a health indicator of the inspection surface (e.g., depicting regions that are nominal, passed, need repair, will need repair, and/or have failed). In certain embodiments, it can be seen that constructing the position informed inspection data 3616 using position information 3604 only, including dead reckoning based position information 3604, nevertheless yields many of the benefits of providing the position informed inspection data 3616. In certain further embodiments, the position informed inspection data 3616 is additionally or alternatively constructed utilizing the plant position definition 3606, and/or the plant position values 3614.

[0338] Referencing FIG. 37, an example procedure 3700 to inspect a plant, industrial system, and/or inspection surface utilizing position information is depicted. The example procedure 3700 includes an operation 3702 to interpret position information, an operation 3704 to interpret inspection data, and an operation 3706 correlate the inspection data to the position information. The example procedure 3700 further includes an operation 3708 to correct the position information (e.g., updating a dead reckoning-based position information), and to update the correlation of the inspection data to the position information. The example procedure further includes an operation 3710 to provide position informed inspection data in response to the correlated inspection data. In certain embodiments, operation 3706 is additionally or alternatively performed on the position informed inspection data, where the position informed inspection data is corrected, and operation 3710 includes providing the position informed inspection data. In certain embodiments, one or more operations of a procedure 3700 are performed by a controller 802.

[0339] Referencing FIG. 38, an example procedure 3800 to inspect a plant, industrial system, and/or inspection surface utilizing position information is depicted. In addition to operations of procedure 3700, example procedure 3800 includes an operation 3802 to determine a plant definition value, and an operation 3804 to determine plant position values in response to the position information and the plant position definition. Operation 3706 further includes an operation to correlate the inspection data with the position information and/or the plant position values. In certain embodiments, one or more operations of procedure 3800 are performed by a controller 802.

[0340] Referencing FIG. 39, an example apparatus 3900 for processing ultra-sonic sensor readings is depicted schematically. The example apparatus 3900 includes a controller 802 having an acoustic data circuit 3902 that determines return signals from the tested surface—for example a transducer in the sensor 2202 sends a sound wave through the couplant chamber to the inspection surface, and the raw acoustic data 3904 includes primary (e.g., from the surface inspection surface), secondary (e.g., from a back wall, such as a pipe wall or tank wall) and/or tertiary (e.g., from imperfections, cracks, or defects within the wall) returns from the inspection surface.

[0341] In certain embodiments, the controller 802 includes a thickness processing circuit 3906 that determines a primary mode value 3908 in response to the raw acoustic data 3904. The primary mode value 3908, in certain embodiments, includes a determination based upon a first return and a second return of the raw acoustic data 3904, where a time difference between the first return and the second return indicates a thickness of the inspection surface material (e.g., a pipe). The foregoing operations of the thickness processing circuit 3906 are well known in the art, and are standard operations for ultra-sonic thickness testing. However, the environment for the inspection robot is not typical, and certain further improvements to operations are described herein. An inspection robot, in certain embodiments, performs a multiplicity of ultra-sonic thickness determinations, often with simultaneous (or nearly) operations from multiple sensors. Additionally, in certain embodiments, it is desirable that the inspection robot operate: autonomously without the benefit of an experienced operator; without high-end processing in real-time to provide substantial displays to a user to determine whether parameters are not being determined properly; and/or with limited communication resources utilized for post-processing that is fast enough that off nominal operation can be adjusted after significant post-processing.

[0342] In certain embodiments, the thickness processing circuit 3906 determines a primary mode score value 3910. In certain embodiments, the thickness processing circuit 3906 determines the primary mode score value 3910 in response to a time of arrival for the primary (e.g., inspection surface face) return from the raw acoustic data 3904. Because the delay time for the sensor is a known and controlled value (e.g., reference FIGS. 28 and 31, and the related description), the return time of the primary return is known with high confidence. Additionally or alternatively, the thickness processing circuit 3906 determines the primary mode score value 3910 in response to the character of the primary return—for example, a sharp peak of a known width and/or amplitude. In certain embodiments, the primary mode score value 3910 calculation is calibrated in response to the material of the inspection surface—although known materials such as iron, various types of steel, and other surfaces can utilize nominal calibrations. In certain embodiments, the configuration adjustment 3406 based on lead inspection data 3402 is utilized to calibrate a primary mode score value 3910 calculation for a sensor providing the trailing inspection data 3410. In certain embodiments, determining that the first peak (related to the primary return) meets expected characteristics is sufficient to provide confidence to utilize the primary mode value 3908 as the ultra-sonic thickness value 3912. In certain embodiments, the ultra-sonic thickness value 3912 is the inspection data for the sensor, and/or a part of the inspection data for the sensor.

[0343] In certain embodiments, the thickness processing circuit 3906 additionally or alternatively considers the timing of arrival for a secondary return, peak arrival time, and/or peak width of the secondary return (e.g., from the back wall) in determining the primary mode score value 3910. For example, if the secondary return indicates a wall thickness that is far outside of an expected thickness value, either greater or lower, the primary mode score value 3910 may be reduced. In certain embodiments, if the secondary return has a peak characteristic that is distinct from the expected characteristic (e.g., too narrow, not sharp, etc.) then the primary mode score value 3910 may be reduced. Additionally or alternatively, feedback data regarding the sensor may be utilized to adjust the primary mode score value 3910—for example if the sensor is out of alignment with the inspection surface, the sensor (or sled) has lifted off of the inspection surface, a sled position for a sled having an acoustic sensor, and/or if a couplant anomaly is indicated (e.g., couplant flow is lost, a bubble is detected, etc.) then the primary mode score value 3910 may be reduced.

[0344] In certain embodiments, for example when the primary mode score value 3910 indicates that the primary mode value 3908 is to be trusted, the controller 802 includes a sensor reporting circuit 3914 that provides the ultra-sonic thickness value 3912 in response to the primary mode value 3908. In certain embodiments, if the primary mode score value 3910 is sufficiently high, the thickness processing circuit 3906 omits operations to determine a secondary mode value 3916. In certain embodiments, the thickness processing circuit 3906 performs operations to determine the secondary mode value 3916 in response to the primary mode score value 3910 is at an intermediate value, and/or if feedback data regarding the sensor indicates off-nominal operation, even when the primary mode score value 3910 is sufficiently high (e.g., to allow for improved post-processing of the inspection data). In certain embodiments, the thickness processing circuit 3906 determines the secondary mode value 3916 at all times, for example to allow for improved post-processing of the inspection data. In certain embodiments, the sensor reporting circuit 3914 provides processed values for the primary mode value 3908 and/or the secondary mode value 3916, and/or the primary mode scoring value 3910 and/or a secondary mode score value 3918, either as the inspection data and/or as stored data to enable post-processing and/or future calibration improvements. In certain embodiments, the sensor reporting circuit 3914 provides the raw acoustic data 3904, either as the inspection data and/or as stored data to enable post-processing and/or future calibration improvements.

[0345] The example thickness processing circuit 3906 further determines, in certain embodiments, a secondary mode value 3916. An example secondary mode value 3916 includes values determined from a number of reflected peaks—for example determining which of a number of reflected peaks are primary returns (e.g., from a face of the inspection surface) and which of a number of reflected peaks are secondary returns (e.g., from a back wall of the inspection surface). In certain embodiments, a Fast-Fourier Transform (FFT), wavelet analysis, or other frequency analysis technique is utilized by the thickness processing circuit 3906 to determine the energy and character of the number of reflected peaks. In certain embodiments, the thickness processing circuit 3906 determines a secondary mode score value 3918—for example from the character and consistency of the peaks, and determines an ultra-sonic thickness value 3912 from the peak-to-peak distance of the number of reflected peaks. The operations of the example apparatus 3900, which in certain embodiments favor utilization of the primary mode value 3908, provide for rapid and high confidence determinations of the ultra-sonic thickness value 3912 in an environment where a multiplicity of sensors are providing raw acoustic data 3904, computing resources are limited, and a large number of sensor readings are to be performed without supervision of an experienced operator.

[0346] In certain embodiments, any one or more of the ultra-sonic thickness value 3912, the primary mode value 3908, the secondary mode value 3916, the primary mode score value 3910, and/or the secondary mode score value 3918 are provided or stored as position informed inspection data 3616. The correlation of the values 3912, 3908, 3916, 3910, and/or 3918 with position data as position informed inspection data 3616 provides for rapid visualizations of the characteristics of the inspection surface, and provides for rapid convergence of calibration values for inspection operations on the inspection surface and similar surfaces. In certain embodiments, the raw acoustic data 3904 is provided or stored as position informed inspection data 3616.

[0347] Referencing FIG. 40, an example procedure 4000 to process ultra-sonic sensor readings is depicted schematically. In certain embodiments, procedure 4000 processes ultra-sonic sensor readings for an inspection robot having a number of ultra-sonic sensor mounted thereon. The example procedure 4000 includes an operation 4002 to interrogate an inspection surface with an acoustic signal (e.g., acoustic impulse from a transducer). The example procedure 4000 further includes an operation 4004 to determine raw acoustic data, such as return signals from the inspection surface. The example procedure 4000 further includes an operation 4006 to determine a primary mode score value in response to a primary peak value, and/or further in response to a secondary peak value, from the raw acoustic data. The example procedure 4000 further includes an operation 4008 to determine whether the primary mode score value exceeds a high threshold value, such as whether the primary mode value is deemed to be reliable without preserving a secondary mode value. In response to the operation 4008 determining the primary mode score value exceeds the high threshold value, the procedure 4000 further includes an operation 4010 to determine the primary mode value, and an operation 4012 to report the primary mode value as an ultra-sonic thickness value. In response to the operation 4008 determining the primary mode score value does not exceed the high threshold value, the procedure includes an operation 4014 to determine whether the primary mode score value exceeds a primary mode utilization value. In certain embodiments, in response to the operation 4014 determining the primary mode score value exceeds the primary mode utilization value, the procedure 4000 includes the operation 4010 to determine the primary mode value, an operation 4011 to determine the secondary mode value, and the operation 4012 to provide the primary mode value as the ultra-sonic thickness value. In response to the operation 4014 determining the primary mode score value does not exceed the primary mode utilization value, the procedure 4000 includes the operation 4018 to determine the secondary mode value and an operation 4022 to determine the secondary mode score value. The procedure 4000 further includes an operation 4024 to determine whether the secondary mode score value exceeds a secondary mode utilization value, and in response to operation 4024 determining the secondary mode score value exceeds the secondary mode utilization value, the procedure 4000 includes an operation 4026 to provide the secondary mode value as the ultra-sonic thickness value. In response to the operation 4024 determining the secondary mode score value does not exceed the secondary mode utilization value, the procedure 4000 includes an operation 4028 to provide an alternate output as the ultra-sonic thickness value. In certain embodiments, operation 4028 includes providing an error value (e.g., data not read), one of the primary mode value and the secondary mode value having a higher score, and/or combinations of these (e.g., providing a “best” value, along with an indication that the ultra-sonic thickness value for that reading may not be reliable).

[0348] As with all schematic flow diagrams and operational descriptions throughout the present disclosure, operations of procedure 4000 may be combined or divided, in whole or part, and/or certain operations may be omitted or added. Without limiting the present description, it is noted that operation 4022 to determine the secondary mode score value and operation 4024 to determine whether the secondary mode score value exceeds a utilization threshold may operate together such that operation 4018 to determine the secondary mode score is omitted. For example, where the secondary mode score value indicates that the secondary mode value is not sufficiently reliable to use as the ultra-sonic thickness value, in certain embodiments, processing to determine the secondary mode value are omitted. In certain embodiments, one or more of operations 4014 and/or 4008 to compare the primary mode score value to certain thresholds may additionally or alternatively include comparison of the primary mode score value to the secondary mode score value, and/or utilization of the secondary mode value instead of the primary mode value where the secondary mode score value is higher, or sufficiently higher, than the primary mode score value. In certain embodiments, both the primary mode value and the secondary mode value are determined and stored or communicated, for example to enhance future calibrations and/or processing operations, and/or to enable post-processing operations. In certain embodiments, one or more operations of procedure 4200 are performed by a controller 802.

[0349] Referencing FIG. 43, an example apparatus 4300 for operating a magnetic induction sensor for an inspection robot is depicted. In certain embodiments, the magnetic induction sensor is mounted on a sled 1, and/or on a payload 2. In certain embodiments, the magnetic induction sensor is a lead sensor as described throughout the present disclosure, although operations of the apparatus 4300 for operating the magnetic induction sensor for the inspection robot include the magnetic induction sensor positioned on any payload and/or any logistical inspection operation runs. In certain embodiments, the magnetic induction sensor is a lead sensor and positioned on a same sled as an ultra-sonic or other sensor. In certain embodiments, the magnetic induction sensor is included on a payload 2 with other sensors, potentially including an ultra-sonic sensor, and may be on a same sled 1 or an offset sled (e.g., one or more magnetic sensors on certain sleds 1 of a payload 2, and ultra-sonic or other sensors on other sleds 1 of the payload 2).

[0350] An example apparatus 4300 includes an EM data circuit 4302 structured to interpret EM induction data 4304 provided by a magnetic induction sensor. The EM induction data 4304 provides an indication of the thickness of material, including coatings, debris, non-ferrous metal spray material (e.g., repair material), and/or damage, between the sensor and a substrate ferrous material, such as a pipe, tube, wall, tank wall, or other material provided as a substrate for an inspection surface. The foregoing operations of the EM data circuit 4302 and magnetic induction sensor are well known in the art, and are standard operations for determining automotive paint thickness or other applications. However, the environment for the inspection robot is not typical, and certain further improvements to operations are described herein.

[0351] In certain embodiments, an inspection robot includes sled configurations, including any configurations described throughout the present disclosure, to ensure expected contact, including proximity and/or orientation, between the inspection surface and the magnetic induction sensor. Accordingly, a magnetic induction sensor included on a sled 1 of the inspection robot in accordance with the present disclosure provides a reliable reading of distance to the substrate ferrous material. In certain embodiments, the apparatus 4300 includes a substrate distance circuit 4306 that determines a substrate distance value 4308 between the magnetic induction sensor and a ferrous substrate of the inspection surface. Additionally or alternatively, the substrate distance value 4308 may be a coating thickness, a delay line correction factor (e.g., utilized by a thickness processing circuit 3906), a total debris-coating distance, or other value determined in response to the substrate distance value 4308.

[0352] In certain embodiments, the controller 802 further includes an EM diagnostic circuit 4310 that supports one or more diagnostics in response to the substrate distance value 4308. An example diagnostic includes a diagnostic value 4312 (e.g., a rationality diagnostic value, or another value used for a diagnostic check), wherein the EM diagnostic circuit 4310 provides information utilized by the thickness processing circuit 3906, for example to a thickness processing circuit 3906. For example, the layer of coating, debris, or other material between the substrate of the inspection surface and an ultra-sonic sensor can affect the peak arrival times. In a further example, the layer of coating, debris, or other material between the substrate of the inspection surface and an ultra-sonic sensor can act to increase the effective delay line between the transducer of the ultra-sonic sensor and the inspection surface. In certain embodiments, the thickness processing circuit 3906 utilizes the rationality diagnostic value 4312 to adjust expected arrival times for the primary return and/or secondary return values, and/or to adjust a primary mode scoring value and/or a secondary mode score value.

[0353] In certain embodiments, the EM diagnostic circuit 4310 operates to determine a sensor position value 4314. In certain embodiments, the sensor position value 4314 provides a determination of the sensor distance to the substrate. In certain embodiments, the sensor position value 4314 provides a rationality check whether the sensor is positioned in proximity to the inspection surface. For example, an excursion of the EM induction data 4304 and/or substrate distance value 4308 may be understood to be a loss of contact of the sensor with the inspection surface, and/or may form a part of a determination, combined with other information such as an arm 20, sled 1, or payload 2 position value, a value of any of the pivots 16, 17, 18, and/or information from a camera or other visual indicator, to determine that a sled 1 including the magnetic induction sensor, and/or the magnetic induction sensor, is not properly positioned with regard to the inspection surface. Additionally or alternatively, a thickness processing circuit 3906 may utilize the sensor position value 4314 to adjust the primary mode scoring value and/or the secondary mode score value—for example to exclude or label data that is potentially invalid. In certain embodiments, the sensor position value 4314 is utilized on a payload 2 having both an ultra-sonic sensor and a magnetic induction sensor, and/or on a sled 1 having both an ultra-sonic sensor and a magnetic induction sensor (e.g., where the sensor position value 4314 is likely to provide direct information about the ultra-sonic sensor value). In certain embodiments, the sensor position value 4314 is utilized when the magnetic induction sensor is not on a same payload 2 or sled 1 with an ultra-sonic sensor—for example by correlating with position data to identify a potential obstacle or other feature on the inspection surface that may move the sled 1 out of a desired alignment with the inspection surface. In certain embodiments, the sensor position value 4314 is utilized when the magnetic induction sensor is not on a same payload 2 or sled 1 with an ultra-sonic sensor, and is combined with other data in a heuristic check to determine if the ultra-sonic sensor (and/or related sled or payload) experiences the same disturbance at the same location that the magnetic induction sensor (and/or related sled or payload) experienced.

[0354] In certain embodiments, the substrate distance value 4308 is provided to a thickness processing circuit 3906, which utilizes the substrate distance value 4308 to differentiate between a utilization of the primary mode value 3908 and/or the secondary mode value 3916. For example, the thickness of a coating on the inspection surface can affect return times and expected peak times. Additionally or alternatively, where the speed of sound through the coating is known or estimated, the peak analysis of the primary mode value 3908 and/or the secondary mode value 3916 can be adjusted accordingly. For example, the secondary mode value 3916 will demonstrate additional peaks, which can be resolved with a knowledge of the coating thickness and material, and/or the speed of sound of the coating material can be resolved through deconvolution and frequency analysis of the returning peaks if the thickness of the coating is known. In another example, the primary mode value 3908 can be adjusted to determine a true substrate first peak response (which will, in certain embodiments, occur after a return from the coating surface), which can be resolved with a knowledge of the coating thickness and/or the speed of sound of the coating material. In certain embodiments, a likely composition of the coating material is known—for example based upon prior repair operations performed on the inspection surface. In certain embodiments, as described, sound characteristics of the coating material, and/or effective sound characteristics of a pseudo-material (e.g., a mix of more than one material modeled as an aggregated pseudo-material) acting as the aggregate of the coating, debris, or other matter on the substrate of the inspection surface, can be determined through an analysis of the ultra-sonic data and/or coupled with knowledge of the thickness of the matter on the substrate of the inspection surface.

[0355] Referencing FIG. 44, an example procedure 4400 for operating and analyzing a magnetic induction sensor on an inspection robot is schematically depicted. The example procedure 4400 includes an operation 4402 to interpret EM induction data provided by a magnetic induction sensor, and an operation 4404 to determine a substrate distance value between the magnetic induction sensor and a ferrous substrate of the inspection surface. The example procedure 4400 further includes an operation 4406 to determine a sensor position value, such as: a sensor distance from a substrate of the inspection surface; and/or a sensor pass/fail orientation, alignment, or position check. In certain embodiments, the example procedure 4400 further includes an operation 4408 to adjust a primary mode scoring value and/or a secondary mode score value in response to the substrate distance value and/or the sensor position value. In certain embodiments, operation 4408 includes an operation to set the primary mode scoring value and/or secondary mode score value to a value that excludes the primary mode value and/or the secondary mode value from being used, and/or labels the primary mode value and/or the secondary mode value as potentially erroneous. In certain embodiments, operation 4410 determines a reliability of the primary mode value and/or the secondary mode value—for example where sonic properties of the matter between the ultra-sonic sensor and the inspection surface substrate are determined with a high degree of reliability—and the reliability determined from operation 4410 for the primary mode value and/or the secondary mode value is utilized to adjust the primary mode scoring value and/or the secondary mode score value. An example procedure 4400 further includes an operation 4410 to adjust a peak analysis of a primary mode value and/or a secondary mode value in response to the substrate distance value and/or the sensor position value. In certain embodiments, one or more operations of procedure 4400 are performed by a controller 802.

[0356] Referencing FIG. 45, an example procedure 4410 to adjust a peak analysis of a primary mode value and/or a secondary mode value is schematically depicted. The example procedure 4410 includes an operation 4504 to resolve a thickness and a sound characteristic of material positioned between a substrate of an inspection surface and an ultra-sonic sensor. In certain embodiments, operation 4504 includes a deconvolution of peak values including a frequency analysis of peaks observed in view of the substrate distance value and/or the sensor position value. In certain embodiments, the example procedure 4410 further includes an operation 4502 to determine a likely composition of the coating material—for example in response to a defined parameter by an inspection operator, and/or a previously executed repair operation on the inspection surface. In certain embodiments, operations of any of procedure 4400 and/or procedure 4410 are performed in view of position information of the magnetic induction sensor, and/or correlating position information of the ultra-sonic sensor. In certain embodiments, one or more operations of procedure 4410 are performed by a controller 802.

[0357] Referencing FIG. 46, an example procedure 4600 to adjust an inspection operation in real-time in response to a magnetic induction sensor is schematically depicted. In certain embodiments, example procedure 4600 includes an operation 4602 to determine an induction processing parameter, such as a substrate distance value, a sensor position value, and/or a rationality diagnostic value. In certain embodiments, the example procedure 4600 includes an operation 4604 to adjust an inspection plan in response to the induction processing parameter. Example and non-limiting operations 4604 to an inspection plan include: adjusting a sensor calibration value (e.g., for an ultra-sonic sensor, a temperature sensor, etc.) for a sensor that may be affected by the coating, debris, or other matter between the magnetic induction sensor and a substrate of the inspection surface; adjusting an inspection resolution for one or more sensors for a planned inspection operation; adjusting a planned inspection map display for an inspection operation, and/or including adjusting sensors, sled positions, and/or an inspection robot trajectory to support the planned inspection map display; adjusting an inspection robot trajectory (e.g., locations, paths, number of runs, and/or movement speed on the inspection surface); adjusting a number, type, and/or positioning (e.g., sled numbers, placement, and/or payload positions) for sensors for an inspection operation; adjusting a wheel magnet strength and/or wheel configuration of an inspection robot in response to the induction processing parameter (e.g., adjusting for an expected distance to a ferrous material, configuring the wheels to manage debris, etc.); adjusting a sled ramp configuration (e.g., sled ramp leading and/or following slope, shape, and/or depth); and/or adjusting a down force for a sled and/or sensor. Operations 4604 may be performed in real-time, such as a change of an inspection plan during inspection operations, and/or at design or set-up time, such as a change of a configuration for the inspection robot or any other aspects described herein before an inspection run, between inspection runs, or the like.

[0358] In certain embodiments, the example procedure 4600 includes an operation 4606 to perform an additional inspection operation in response to the induction processing parameter. For example, operation 4606 may include operations such as: inspecting additional portions of the inspection surface and/or increasing the size of the inspection surface (e.g., to inspect other portions of an industrial system, facility, and/or inspection area encompassing the inspection surface); to activate trailing payloads and/or a rear payload to perform the additional inspection operation; re-running an inspection operation over an inspection area that at least partially overlaps a previously inspected area; and/or performing a virtual additional inspection operation—for example re-processing one or more aspects of inspection data in view of the induction processing parameter.

[0359] In certain embodiments, the example procedure 4600 includes an operation 4608 to follow a detected feature, for example activating a sensor configured to detect the feature as the inspection robot traverses the inspection surface, and/or configuring the inspection robot to adjust a trajectory to follow the feature (e.g., by changing the robot trajectory in real-time, and/or performing additional inspection operations to cover the area of the feature). Example and non-limiting features include welds, grooves, cracks, coating difference areas (e.g., thicker coating, thinner coating, and/or a presence or lack of a coating). In certain embodiments, the example procedure 4600 includes an operation 4610 to perform at least one of a marking, repair, and/or treatment operation, for example marking features (e.g., welds, grooves, cracks, and/or coating difference areas), and/or performing a repair and/or treatment operation (e.g., welding, applying an epoxy, applying a cleaning operation, and/or applying a coating) appropriate for a feature. In certain embodiments, operation 4610 to perform a marking operation includes marking the inspection surface in virtual space—for example as a parameter visible on an inspection map but not physically applied to the inspection surface.

[0360] In certain embodiments, the example procedure 4600 includes an operation 4612 to perform a re-processing operation in response to the induction processing parameter. For example, and without limitation, acoustic raw data, primary mode values and/or primary mode score values, and/or secondary mode values and/or secondary mode score values may be recalculated over at least a portion of an inspection area in response to the induction processing parameter. In certain embodiments, ultra-sonic sensor calibrations may be adjusted in a post-processing operation to evaluate, for example, wall thickness and/or imperfections (e.g., cracks, deformations, grooves, etc.) utilizing the induction processing parameter(s).

[0361] Operations for procedure 4600 are described in view of an induction processing parameter for clarity of description. It is understood that a plurality of induction processing parameters, including multiple parameter types (e.g., coating presence and/or coating thickness) as well as a multiplicity of parameter determinations (e.g., position based induction processed values across at least a portion of the inspection surface) are likewise contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, one or more operations of procedure 4600 are performed by a controller 802.

[0362] Referencing FIG. 47, an example apparatus 4700 for utilizing a profiling sensor on an inspection robot is schematically depicted. Example and non-limiting profiling sensors include a laser profiler (e.g., a high spatial resolution laser beam profiler) and/or a high resolution caliper log. A profiling sensor provides for a spatial description of the inspection surface—for example variations in a pipe 502 or other surface can be detected, and/or a high resolution contour of at least a portion of the inspection surface can be determined. In certain embodiments, a controller 802 includes a profiler data circuit 4702 that interprets profiler data 4704 provided by the profiling sensor. The example controller 802 further includes an inspection surface characterization circuit 4706 that provides a characterization of the shape of the inspection surface in response to the profiler data—for example as a shape description 4708 of the inspection surface, including anomalies, variations in the inspection surface geometry, and/or angles of the inspection surface (e.g., to determine a perpendicular angle to the inspection surface). The example controller 802 further includes a profile adjustment circuit 4710 that provides an inspection operation adjustment 4712 in response to the shape description 4708. Example and non-limiting inspection operation adjustments 4712 include: providing an adjustment to a sled, payload, and/or sensor orientation within a sled (e.g., to provide for a more true orientation due to a surface anomaly, including at least changing a number and configuration of sleds on a payload, configuring a payload to avoid an obstacle, adjusting a down force of a sled, arm, sensor, and/or payload, and/or adjusting a shape of a sled bottom surface); a change to a sensor resolution value (e.g., to gather additional data in the vicinity of an anomaly or shape difference of the inspection surface); a post-processing operation (e.g., re-calculating ultra-sonic and/or magnetic induction data—for example in response to a shape of the inspection surface, and/or in response to a real orientation of a sensor to the inspection surface—such as correcting for oblique angles and subsequent sonic and/or magnetic effects); a marking operation (e.g., marking an anomaly, shape difference, and/or detected obstacle in real space—such as on the inspection surface—and/or in virtual space such as on an inspection map); and/or providing the inspection operation adjustment 4712 as an instruction to a camera to capture an image of an anomaly and/or a shape difference.

[0363] Referencing FIG. 48, an example procedure 4800 for utilizing a profiling sensor on an inspection robot is schematically depicted. The example procedure 4800 includes an operation 4802 to operate a profiling sensor on at least a portion of an inspection surface, and an operation 4804 to interpret profiler data in response to the operation 4802. The example procedure 4800 further includes an operation 4806 to characterize a shape of the inspection surface, and/or thereby provide a shape description for the inspection surface, and an operation 4808 to adjust an inspection operation in response to the shape of the inspection surface.

[0364] An example system includes: an inspection robot including a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms; and a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds.

[0365] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0366] An example system may further include wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds is contoured in response to a shape of the inspection surface.

[0367] An example system may further include wherein the inspection surface includes a pipe outer wall, and wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds includes a concave shape.

[0368] An example system may further include wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds includes at least one shape selected from the shapes consisting of: a concave shape, a convex shape, and a curved shape.

[0369] An example system may further include wherein each of the plurality of arms is further pivotally mounted to the one of the plurality of payloads with two degrees of rotational freedom.

[0370] An example system may further include wherein the sleds as mounted on the arms include three degrees of rotational freedom.

[0371] An example system may further include a biasing member coupled to each one of the plurality of arms, and wherein the biasing member provides a biasing force to corresponding one of the plurality of sleds, wherein the biasing force is directed toward the inspection surface.

[0372] An example system may further include wherein each of the plurality of payloads has a plurality of the plurality of arms mounted thereon.

[0373] An example system includes an inspection robot, and a plurality of sleds mounted to the inspection robot; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds; and a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface.

[0374] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0375] An example system may further include wherein each couplant chamber includes a cone, the cone including a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone, and a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion, and wherein the cone tip portion defines a couplant exit opening.

[0376] An example system may further include a couplant entry for the couplant chamber, wherein the couplant entry is positioned between the cone tip portion and the sensor mounting end.

[0377] An example system may further include wherein the couplant entry is positioned at a vertically upper side of the cone when the inspection robot is positioned on the inspection surface.

[0378] An example system may further include wherein the couplant exit opening includes one of flush with the bottom surface and extending through the bottom surface.

[0379] An example system includes an inspection robot including a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is mounted to one of the plurality of arms; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds; a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface; and a biasing member coupled to each one of the plurality of arms, and wherein the biasing member provides a biasing force to corresponding one of the plurality of sleds, wherein the biasing force is directed toward the inspection surface.

[0380] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0381] An example system may further include wherein each couplant chamber includes a cone, the cone including a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone, and a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion, and wherein the cone tip portion defines a couplant exit opening.

[0382] An example system may further include a couplant entry for the couplant chamber, wherein the couplant entry is positioned between the cone tip portion and the sensor mounting end.

[0383] An example system may further include wherein the couplant entry is positioned at a vertically upper side of the cone when the inspection robot is positioned on the inspection surface.

[0384] An example system may further include wherein the couplant exit opening includes one of flush with the bottom surface and extending through the bottom surface.

[0385] An example system may further include wherein each payload includes a single couplant connection to the inspection robot.

[0386] An example method includes providing an inspection robot having a plurality of payloads and a corresponding plurality of sleds for each of the payloads; mounting a sensor on each of the sleds, each sensor mounted to a couplant chamber interposed between the sensor and an inspection surface, and each couplant chamber including a couplant entry for the couplant chamber; changing one of the plurality of payloads to a distinct payload; and wherein the changing of the plurality of payloads does not include disconnecting a couplant line connection at the couplant chamber.

[0387] An example method includes providing an inspection robot having a plurality of payloads and a corresponding plurality of sleds for each of the payloads; mounting a sensor on each of the sleds, each sensor mounted to a couplant chamber interposed between the sensor and an inspection surface, and each couplant chamber including a couplant entry for the couplant chamber; changing one of the plurality of payloads to a distinct payload; and wherein the changing of the plurality of payloads does not include dismounting any of the sensors from corresponding couplant chambers.

[0388] An example system includes: an inspection robot including a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; and a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, and wherein each sled defines a chamber sized to accommodate a sensor.

[0389] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0390] An example system may further include a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is positioned in one of the chambers of a corresponding one of the plurality of sleds.

[0391] An example system may further include wherein each chamber further includes a stop, and wherein each of the plurality of sensors is positioned against the stop.

[0392] An example system may further include wherein each sensor positioned against the stop has a predetermined positional relationship with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the plurality of sleds.

[0393] An example system may further include wherein each chamber further includes a chamfer on at least one side of the chamber.

[0394] An example system may further include wherein each sensor extends through a corresponding holding clamp, and wherein each holding clamp is mounted to the corresponding one of the plurality of sleds.

[0395] An example system may further include wherein each of the plurality of sleds includes an installation sleeve positioned at least partially within in the chamber.

[0396] An example system may further include wherein each of the plurality of sleds includes an installation sleeve positioned at least partially within in the chamber, and wherein each sensor positioned in one of the chambers engages the installation sleeve positioned in the chamber.

[0397] An example system may further include wherein each of the plurality of sensors is positioned at least partially within an installation sleeve, and wherein each installation sleeve is positioned at least partially within the chamber of the corresponding one of the plurality of sleds.

[0398] An example system may further include wherein each chamber further includes wherein each of the plurality of sensors includes an installation tab, and wherein each of the plurality of sensors positioned in one of the chambers engages the installation tab.

[0399] An example system may further include wherein each installation tab is formed by relief slots.

[0400] An example system includes: an inspection robot including a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; and a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, and wherein each sled includes a bottom surface; and a removable layer positioned on each of the bottom surfaces.

[0401] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0402] An example system may further include wherein the removable layer includes a sacrificial film.

[0403] An example system may further include wherein the sacrificial film includes an adhesive backing on a side of the sacrificial film that faces the bottom surface.

[0404] An example system may further include wherein the removable layer includes a hole positioned vertically below a chamber of the corresponding one of the plurality of sleds.

[0405] An example system may further include wherein the removable layer is positioned at least partially within a recess of the bottom surface.

[0406] An example system may further include wherein the removable layer includes a thickness providing a selected spatial orientation between an inspection contact side of the removable layer and the bottom surface.

[0407] An example system includes: an inspection robot including a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; and a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, and wherein each sled includes an upper portion and a replaceable lower portion having a bottom surface.

[0408] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0409] An example system may further include wherein the replaceable lower portion includes a single, 3-D printable material.

[0410] An example system may further include wherein the upper portion and the replaceable lower portion are configured to pivotally engage and disengage.

[0411] An example system may further include wherein the bottom surface further includes at least one ramp.

[0412] An example method includes interrogating an inspection surface with an inspection robot having a plurality of sleds, each sled including an upper portion and a replaceable lower portion having a bottom surface; determining that the replaceable lower portion of one of the sleds is one of damaged or worn; and in response to the determining, disengaging the worn or damaged replaceable portion from the corresponding upper portion, and engaging a new or undamaged replaceable portion to the corresponding upper portion.

[0413] An example method may further include wherein the disengaging includes turning the worn or damaged replaceable portion relative to the corresponding upper portion.

[0414] An example method may further include performing a 3-D printing operation to provide the new or undamaged replaceable portion.

[0415] An example method includes determining a surface characteristic for an inspection surface; providing a replaceable lower portion having a bottom surface, the replaceable lower portion including a lower portion of a sled having an upper portion, wherein the sled includes one of a plurality of sleds for an inspection robot; and wherein the providing includes one of performing a 3-D printing operation or selecting one from a multiplicity of pre-configured replaceable lower portions.

[0416] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0417] An example method may further include determining the surface characteristic includes determining a surface curvature of the inspection surface.

[0418] An example method may further include providing includes providing the replaceable lower portion having at least one of a selected bottom surface shape or at least one ramp.

[0419] An example method may further include wherein the at least one ramp includes at least one of a ramp angle and a ramp total height value.

[0420] An example system includes an inspection robot including a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; and a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, and wherein each sled includes a bottom surface defining a ramp.

[0421] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0422] An example system may further include wherein each sled further includes the bottom surface defining two ramps, wherein the two ramps include a forward ramp and a rearward ramp.

[0423] An example system may further include wherein the ramp include at least one of a ramp angle and a ramp total height value.

[0424] An example system may further include wherein the at least one of the ramp angle and the ramp total height value are configured to traverse an obstacle on an inspection surface to be traversed by the inspection robot.

[0425] An example system may further include wherein the ramp includes a curved shape.

[0426] An example system includes an inspection robot including a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms; and a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds.

[0427] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0428] An example system may further include wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms at a selected one of a plurality of pivot point positions.

[0429] An example system may further include a controller configured to select the one of the plurality of pivot point positions during an inspection run of the inspection robot.

[0430] An example system may further include wherein the controller is further configured to select the one of the plurality of pivot point positions in response to a travel direction of the inspection robot.

[0431] An example system may further include wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms at a plurality of pivot point positions.

[0432] An example method includes providing a plurality of sleds for an inspection robot, each of the sleds mountable to a corresponding arm of the inspection robot at a plurality of pivot point positions; determining which of the plurality of pivot point positions is to be utilized for an inspection operation; and pivotally mounting each of the sleds to the corresponding arm at a selected one of the plurality of pivot point positions in response to the determining.

[0433] Certain further aspects of an example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example method.

[0434] An example method may further include wherein the pivotally mounting is performed before an inspection run by the inspection robot.

[0435] An example method may further include wherein the pivotally mounting is performed during an inspection run by the inspection robot.

[0436] An example method may further include wherein the pivotally mounting is performed in response to a travel direction of the inspection robot.

[0437] An example method may further include pivotally mounting each of the sleds at a selected plurality of the plurality of pivot point positions in response to the determining.

[0438] An example method includes determining an inspection resolution for an inspection surface; configuring an inspection robot by providing a plurality of horizontally distributed sensors operationally coupled to the inspection robot in response to the inspection resolution; and performing an inspection operation on the inspection surface at a resolution at least equal to the inspection resolution.

[0439] One or more certain further aspects of the example method may be incorporated in certain embodiments. Performing the inspection operation may include interrogating the inspection surface acoustically utilizing the plurality of horizontally distributed sensors. The plurality of horizontally distributed sensors may be provided on a first payload of the inspection robot, and wherein the configuring the inspection robot further enhances at least one of a horizontal sensing resolution or a vertical sensing resolution of the inspection robot by providing a second plurality of horizontally distributed sensors on a second payload of the inspection robot. The inspection robot may include providing the first payload defining a first horizontal inspection lane and the second payload defining a second horizontal inspection lane. The inspection robot may include providing the first payload and the second payload such that the first horizontal inspection lane is distinct from the second horizontal inspection lane. The inspection robot may include providing the first payload and the second payload such that the first horizontal inspection lane at least partially overlaps the second horizontal inspection lane. The inspection robot may include determining an inspection trajectory of the inspection robot over the inspection surface, such as the inspection trajectory determining a first inspection run and a second inspection run, wherein a first area of the inspection surface traversed by the first inspection run at least partially overlaps a second area of the inspection surface traversed by the second inspection run.

[0440] An example system includes an inspection robot including at least one payload; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to the at least one payload; and a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, and wherein the plurality of sleds is distributed horizontally across the payload.

[0441] One or more certain further aspects of the example system may be incorporated in certain embodiments. The plurality of sleds may be distributed across the payload with a spacing defining a selected horizontal sensing resolution of the inspection robot. The sleds may be distributed across the payload, wherein a plurality of sleds is provided within a horizontal distance that is less than a horizontal width of a pipe to be inspected. There may be a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds. At least one payload may include a first payload and a second payload, and wherein the first payload and the second payload define distinct horizontal inspection lanes for the inspection surface. There may be a plurality of sensors including ultra-sonic sensors, and wherein each of the plurality of payloads comprises a single couplant connection to the inspection robot.

[0442] An example system includes an inspection robot having a number of sensors operationally coupled thereto; and a means for horizontally distributing the number of sensors across a selected horizontal inspection lane of an inspection surface. In a further aspect, a plurality of the number of sensors may be provided to inspect a single pipe of the inspection surface at a plurality of distinct horizontal positions of the pipe.

[0443] An example system includes an inspection robot comprising a first payload and a second payload; a first plurality of arms pivotally mounted to the first payload, and a second plurality of arms pivotally mounted to the second payload; a first plurality of sleds mounted to corresponding ones of the first plurality of arms, and a second plurality of sleds mounted to corresponding ones of the second plurality of arms; wherein the first payload defines a first horizontal inspection lane for an inspection surface, and wherein the second payload defines a second horizontal inspection lane for the inspection surface; and wherein the first horizontal inspection lane at least partially overlaps the second horizontal inspection lane.

[0444] One or more certain further aspects of the example system may be incorporated in certain embodiments. At least one of the second plurality of sleds may be horizontally aligned with at least one of the first plurality of sleds. There may be a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the first plurality of sleds and the second plurality of sleds, such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the first plurality of sleds and the second plurality of sleds. Sensors may be mounted on the horizontally aligned sleds for interrogating vertically distinct portions of the inspection surface. At least one of the second plurality of sleds and at least one of the first plurality of sleds may be horizontally offset. The first payload may include a forward payload and wherein the second payload comprises a rear payload. The first payload may include a forward payload and wherein the second payload comprises a trailing payload.

[0445] An example apparatus includes an inspection data circuit structured to interpret lead inspection data from a lead sensor; a sensor configuration circuit structured to determine a configuration adjustment for a trailing sensor in response to the lead inspection data; and a sensor operation circuit structured to adjust at least one parameter of the trailing sensor in response to the configuration adjustment.

[0446] One or more certain further aspects of the example apparatus may be incorporated in certain embodiments. The inspection data circuit may be further structured to interpret trailing sensor data from a trailing sensor, wherein the trailing sensor is responsive to the configuration adjustment. The configuration adjustment may include at least one adjustment selected from the adjustments consisting of: changing of sensing parameters of the trailing sensor; changing a cut-off time to observe a peak value for an ultra-sonic trailing sensor; enabling operation of a trailing sensor; adjusting a sensor sampling rate of a trailing sensor; adjusting a fault cut-off values for a trailing sensor; adjusting a sensor range of a trailing sensor; adjusting a resolution value of a trailing sensor; changing a movement speed of an inspection robot, wherein the trailing sensors are operationally coupled to the inspection robot. The lead sensor and the trailing sensor may be operationally coupled to an inspection robot. The lead sensor may include a first sensor during a first inspection run, and wherein the trailing sensor comprises the first sensor during a second inspection run. The inspection data circuit may be further structured to interpret the lead inspection data and interpret the trailing sensor data in a single inspection run.

[0447] An example system may include an inspection robot; a lead sensor operationally coupled to the inspection robot and structured to provide lead inspection data; a controller, the controller including: an inspection data circuit structured to interpret the lead inspection data; a sensor configuration circuit structured to determine a configuration adjustment for a trailing sensor in response to the lead inspection data; and a sensor operation circuit structured to adjust at least one parameter of the trailing sensor in response to the configuration adjustment; and a trailing sensor responsive to the configuration adjustment.

[0448] One or more certain further aspects of the example system may be incorporated in certain embodiments. The controller may be at least partially positioned on the inspection robot. The inspection data circuit may be further structured to interpret trailing inspection data from the trailing sensor. The configuration adjustment may include at least one adjustment selected from the adjustments consisting of: changing of sensing parameters of the trailing sensor; wherein the trailing sensor comprises an ultra-sonic sensor, and changing a cut-off time to observe a peak value for the trailing sensor; enabling operation of the trailing sensor; adjusting a sensor sampling rate of the trailing sensor; adjusting a fault cut-off values for the trailing sensor; adjusting a sensor range of the trailing sensor; adjusting a resolution value of the trailing sensor; changing a movement speed of the inspection robot, wherein the trailing sensor is operationally coupled to the inspection robot. The trailing sensor may be operationally coupled to an inspection robot. The lead sensor may include a first sensor during a first inspection run, and wherein the trailing sensor comprises the first sensor during a second inspection run. The inspection data circuit may be further structured to interpret the lead inspection data and interpret the trailing inspection data in a single inspection run.

[0449] An example method may include interpreting a lead inspection data from a lead sensor; determining a configuration adjustment for a trailing sensor in response to the lead inspection data; and adjusting at least one parameter of a trailing sensor in response to the configuration adjustment.

[0450] One or more certain further aspects of the example method may be incorporated in certain embodiments. A trailing inspection data may be interpreted from the trailing sensor. The adjusting the at least one parameter of the trailing sensor may include at least one adjustment selected from the adjustments consisting of: changing of sensing parameters of the trailing sensor; changing a cut-off time to observe a peak value for an ultra-sonic trailing sensor; enabling operation of a trailing sensor; adjusting a sensor sampling rate of a trailing sensor; adjusting a fault cut-off values for a trailing sensor; adjusting a sensor range of a trailing sensor; adjusting a resolution value of a trailing sensor; changing a movement speed of an inspection robot, wherein the trailing sensors are operationally coupled to the inspection robot. Interpreting the lead sensor data may be provided during a first inspection run, and interpreting the trailing inspection data during a second inspection run. Interpreting the lead inspection data and interpreting the trailing inspection data may be performed in a single inspection run.

[0451] An example method includes accessing an industrial system comprising an inspection surface, wherein the inspection surface comprises a personnel risk feature; operating an inspection robot to inspect at least a portion of the inspection surface; and wherein the operating the inspection is performed with at least a portion of the industrial system providing the personnel risk feature still operating.

[0452] One or more certain further aspects of the example method may be incorporated in certain embodiments. The personnel risk feature may include a portion of the inspection surface having an elevated height. The elevated height may include at least one height value consisting of the height values selected from: at least 10 feet, at least 20 feet, at least 30 feet, greater than 50 feet, greater than 100 feet, and up to 150 feet. The personnel risk feature may include an elevated temperature of at least a portion of the inspection surface. The personnel risk feature may include an enclosed space, and wherein at least a portion of the inspection surface is positioned within the enclosed space. The personnel risk feature may include an electrical power connection. Determining a position of the inspection robot within the industrial system during the operating the inspection robot, and shutting down only a portion of the industrial system during the inspection operation in response to the position of the inspection robot.

[0453] An example system includes an inspection robot comprising a payload; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to the payload; and a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, thereby configuring a horizontal distribution of the plurality of sleds.

[0454] One or more certain further aspects of the example system may be incorporated in certain embodiments. There may be a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds. The horizontal distribution of the plurality of sleds may provide for a selected horizontal resolution of the plurality of sensors. A controller may be configured to determine the selected horizontal resolution and to configure a position of the plurality of arms on the payload in response to the selected horizontal resolution. The horizontal distribution of the plurality of sleds may provide for avoidance of an obstacle on an inspection surface to be traversed by the inspection robot. A controller may be configured to configure a position of the plurality of arms on the payload in response to the obstacle on the inspection surface, and to further configure the position of the plurality of arms on the payload in response to a selected horizontal resolution after the inspection robot clears the obstacle.

[0455] An example method includes determining at least one of an obstacle position on an inspection surface and a selected horizontal resolution for sensors to be utilized for operating an inspection robot on an inspection surface; and configuring a horizontal distribution of a plurality of sleds on a payload of the inspection robot in response to the at least one of the obstacle position and the selected horizontal resolution.

[0456] One or more certain further aspects of the example method may be incorporated in certain embodiments. The configuring of the horizontal distribution may be performed before an inspection run of the inspection robot on the inspection surface. The configuring of the horizontal distribution may be performed during inspection operations of the inspection robot on the inspection surface.

[0457] An example system includes an inspection robot including at least one payload; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to the at least one payload; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, and wherein the plurality of sleds are distributed horizontally across the payload; and wherein a plurality of the sleds are provided within a horizontal distance that is less than a horizontal width of a pipe to be inspected.

[0458] One or more certain further aspects of the example system may be incorporated in certain embodiments. An acoustic sensor may be mounted to each of the plurality of sleds provided within the horizontal distance less than a horizontal width of the pipe to be inspected. The plurality of sleds may be provided within the horizontal distance less than a horizontal width of the pipe to be inspected oriented such that each of the acoustic sensors is perpendicularly oriented toward the pipe to be inspected. A sensor mounted to each of the plurality of sleds may be provided within the horizontal distance less than a horizontal width of the pipe to be inspected. The plurality of sleds may be provided within the horizontal distance less than a horizontal width of the pipe to be inspected oriented such that each of the sensors is perpendicularly oriented toward the pipe to be inspected.

[0459] An example system includes an inspection robot including at least one payload; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to the at least one payload; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms; and a plurality of sensors mounted on each of the plurality of sleds.

[0460] One or more certain further aspects of the example system may be incorporated in certain embodiments. The plurality of sensors on each of the plurality of sleds may be vertically separated. A vertically forward one of the plurality of sensors may be mounted on each of the plurality of sleds comprises a lead sensor, and wherein a vertically rearward one of the plurality of sensors comprises a trailing sensor.

[0461] An example system includes a first payload having a first plurality of sensors mounted thereupon, and a second payload having a second plurality of sensors mounted thereupon; an inspection robot; and one of the first payload and the second payload mounted upon the inspection robot, thereby defining a sensor suite for the inspection robot.

[0462] One or more certain further aspects of the example system may be incorporated in certain embodiments. A mounted one of the first payload and the second payload may include a single couplant connection to the inspection robot. A mounted one of the first payload and the second payload may include a single electrical connection to the inspection robot.

[0463] An example method includes determining a sensor suite for inspection operations of an inspection robot; selecting a payload for the inspection robot from a plurality of available payloads in response to the determined sensor suite; and mounting the selected payload to the inspection robot.

[0464] One or more certain further aspects of the example method may be incorporated in certain embodiments. The inspection operations may be performed with the inspection robot after the mounting. The mounting may comprise connecting a single couplant connection between the selected payload and the inspection robot. The mounting may include connecting a single electrical connection between the selected payload and the inspection robot. The mounting may include dis-mounting a previously mounted payload from the inspection robot before the mounting, where the dis-mounting may disconnect a single couplant connection between the previously mounted payload and the inspection robot, disconnect a single electrical connection between the previously mounted payload and the inspection robot, and the like. The mounting may include connecting a single electrical connection between the selected payload and the inspection robot.

[0465] An example system includes an inspection robot comprising a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds; and a biasing member disposed within each of the sleds, wherein the biasing member provides a down force to the corresponding one of the plurality of sensors.

[0466] One or more certain further aspects of the example system may be incorporated in certain embodiments. The biasing member may include at least one member selected from the members consisting of a leaf spring, a cylindrical spring, a torsion spring, and an electromagnet. A controller may be configured to adjust a biasing strength of the biasing member. The controller may be further configured to interpret a distance value between the corresponding one of the plurality of sensors and an inspection surface, and to further adjust the biasing strength of the biasing member in response to the distance value.

[0467] An example method includes providing a fixed acoustic path between a sensor coupled to an inspection robot and an inspection surface; filling the acoustic path with a couplant; and acoustically interrogating the inspection surface with the sensor.

[0468] One or more certain further aspects of the example system may be incorporated in certain embodiments. The filling of the acoustic path with the couplant may include injecting the couplant into the fixed acoustic path from a vertically upper direction. Determining that the sensor should be re-coupled to the inspection surface. Performing a re-coupling operation in response to the determining. Lifting the sensor from the inspection surface, and returning the sensor to the inspection surface. Increasing a flow rate of the filling the acoustic path with the couplant. Performing at least one operation selected from the operations consisting of: determining that a predetermined time has elapsed since a last re-coupling operation; determining that an event has occurred indicating that a re-coupling operation is desired; and determining that the acoustic path has been interrupted.

[0469] An example system includes an inspection robot, and a plurality of sleds mounted to the inspection robot; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds; a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface; wherein each couplant chamber comprises a cone, the cone comprising a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone, and a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion, and wherein the cone tip portion defines a couplant exit opening.

[0470] One or more certain further aspects of the example system may be incorporated in certain embodiments, such as a plurality of payloads may be mounted to the inspection robot; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; wherein the plurality of sleds are each mounted to one of the plurality of arms; and a biasing member coupled to at least one of: one of the payloads or one of the arms; and wherein the biasing member provides a down force on one of the sleds corresponding to the one of the payloads or the one of the arms.

[0471] An example system includes an inspection robot, and a plurality of sleds mounted to the inspection robot; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds; a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface; and a means for providing a low fluid loss of couplant from each couplant chamber.

[0472] An example system includes an inspection robot having a number of sleds mounted to the inspection robot (e.g., mounted on arms coupled to payloads). The example system further includes a number of sensors, where each sensor is mounted on one of the sleds—although in certain embodiments, each sled may have one or more sensors, or no sensors. The example system includes the sensors mounted on the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to the inspection surface when a bottom surface of the corresponding sled is in contact with the inspection surface. For example, the sled may include a hole therethrough, a chamber such that when the sensor is mounted in the chamber, the sensor is in a position to sense parameters about the inspection surface, or any other orientation as described throughout the present disclosure. The example system further includes a couplant chamber disposed within a number of the sleds—for example in two or more of the sleds, in a horizontally distributed arrangement of the sleds, and/or with a couplant chamber disposed in each of the sleds. In certain embodiments, sleds may alternate with sensor arrangements—for example, a magnetic induction sensor in a first sled, an acoustic sensor with a couplant chamber in a second sled, another magnetic induction sensor in third sled, an acoustic sensor with a couplant chamber in a fourth sled, and so forth. Any pattern or arrangement of sensors is contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, a magnetic induction sensor is positioned in a forward portion of a sled (e.g., as a lead sensor) and an acoustic sensor is positioned in a middle or rearward portion of the sled (e.g., as a trailing sensor). In certain embodiments, arms for sleds having one type of sensor are longer and/or provide for a more forward position than arms for sleds having a second type of sensor.

[0473] The example system further includes each couplant chamber provided as a cone, with the cone having a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone, and a sensor mounting end opposite the inspection surface end. An example cone tip portion defines a couplant exit opening. An example system further includes a couplant entry for each couplant chamber, which may be positioned between the cone tip portion and the sensor mounting end. In certain embodiments, the couplant entry is positioned at a vertically upper side of the cone in an intended orientation of the inspection robot on the inspection surface. For example, if the inspection robot is intended to be oriented on a flat horizontal inspection surface, the couplant entry may be positioned above the cone or at an upper end of the cone. In another example, if the inspection robot is intended to be oriented on a vertical inspection surface, the couplant entry may be positioned on a side of the cone, such as a forward side (e.g., for an ascending inspection robot) or a rearward side (e.g., for a descending inspection robot). The vertical orientation of the couplant entry, where present, should not be confused with a vertical or horizontal arrangement of the inspection robot (e.g., for sensor distribution orientations). In certain embodiments, a horizontal distribution of sensors is provided as perpendicular, and/or at an oblique angle, to a travel path of the inspection robot, which may be vertical, horizontal, or at any other angle in absolute geometric space.

[0474] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be present in certain embodiments. An example system includes a controller 802 configured to fill the couplant chamber with a couplant—for example by providing a couplant command (e.g., flow rate, couplant rate, injection rate, and/or pump speed command) to a couplant pump which may be present on the inspection robot and/or remote from the inspection robot (e.g., providing couplant through a tether). In certain embodiments, the couplant pump is responsive to the couplant command to provide the couplant, to the inspection robot, to a payload, and/or to individual sleds (and thereby to the couplant chamber via the couplant chamber entry). In certain embodiments, the couplant command is a couplant injection command, and the couplant pump is responsive to the injection command to inject the couplant into the couplant chamber. In certain embodiments, the controller is further configured to determine that at least one of the sensors should be re-coupled to the inspection surface. Example and non-limiting operations to determine that at least one of the sensors should be re-coupled to the inspection surface include: determining that a predetermined time has elapsed since a last re-coupling operation; determining that an event has occurred indicating that a re-coupling operation is desired; and/or determining that the acoustic path has been interrupted. In certain embodiments, the controller provides a re-coupling instruction in response to determining that one or more sensors should be re-coupled to the inspection surface. Example and non-limiting re-coupling instructions include a sensor lift command—for example to lift the sensor(s) of a payload and/or arm briefly to clear bubbles from the couplant chamber. In certain embodiments, an actuator such as a motor, push-rod, and/or electromagnet, is present on the inspection robot to lift a payload, an arm, and/or tilt a sled in response to the sensor lift command. In certain embodiments, ramps or other features on a sled are configured such that the sled lifts (or tilts) or otherwise exposes the couplant exit opening—for example in response to a reversal of the direction of motion for the inspection robot. In a further embodiment, the inspection robot is responsive to the sensor lift command to briefly change a direction of motion and thereby perform the re-coupling operation. In certain embodiments, the controller is configured to provide the re-coupling instruction as an increased couplant injection command—for example to raise the couplant flow rate through the couplant chamber and thereby clear bubbles or debris.

[0475] An example procedure includes an operation to provide a fixed acoustic path (e.g., a delay line) between a sensor coupled to an inspection robot and an inspection surface. The example procedure includes an operation to fill the acoustic path with couplant, and to acoustically interrogate the inspection surface with the sensor. Certain further aspects of the example procedure are described following, any one or more of which may be present in certain embodiments. An example procedure further includes an operation to fill the acoustic path with the couplant by injecting the couplant into the fixed acoustic path from a vertically upper direction. An example procedure further includes an operation to determine that the sensor should be re-coupled to the surface, and/or to perform a re-coupling operation in response to the determining. In certain further embodiments, example operations to perform a re-coupling operation include at least: lifting the sensor from the inspection surface, and returning the sensor to the inspection surface; and/or increasing a flow rate of the filling of the acoustic path with the couplant. Example operations to determine the sensor should be re-coupled to the surface include at least: determining that a predetermined time has elapsed since a last re-coupling operation; determining that an event has occurred indicating that a re-coupling operation is desired; and determining that the acoustic path has been interrupted.

[0476] An example procedure includes performing an operation to determine an inspection resolution for an inspection surface (e.g., by determining a likely resolution that will reveal any features of interest such as damage or corrosion, and/or to meet a policy or regulatory requirement); an operation to configure an inspection robot by providing a number of horizontally distributed acoustic sensors operationally coupled to the inspection robot (e.g., mounted to be moved by the inspection robot, and/or with couplant or other fluid provisions, electrical or other power provisions, and/or with communication provisions); an operation to provide a fixed acoustic path between the acoustic sensors and the inspection surface; an operation to fill the acoustic path with a couplant; and an operation to perform an inspection operation on the inspection surface with the acoustic sensors. It will be understood that additional sensors beyond the acoustic sensors may be operationally coupled to the inspection robot in addition to the acoustic sensors.

[0477] Certain further aspects of an example procedure are described following, any one or more of which may be present in certain embodiments. An example procedure includes an operation to perform the inspection operation on the inspection surface at a resolution at least equal to an inspection resolution, and/or where the inspection resolution is smaller (e.g., higher resolution) than a spacing of the horizontally distributed acoustic sensors (e.g., the procedure provides for a greater resolution than that provided by the horizontally spacing of the sensors alone). An example procedure includes the operation to fill the acoustic path with the couplant including injecting the couplant into the fixed acoustic path from a vertically upper direction, and/or an operation to determine that at least one of the acoustic sensors should be re-coupled to the inspection surface.

[0478] An example system includes an inspection robot having a plurality of wheels, wherein the plurality of wheels are positioned to engage an inspection surface when the inspection robot is positioned on the inspection surface; wherein each of the plurality of wheels comprises a magnetic hub portion interposed between enclosure portions; wherein the enclosure portions extend past the magnetic hub portion and thereby prevent contact of the magnetic hub portion with the inspection surface.

[0479] One or more certain further aspects of the example system may be incorporated in certain embodiments. The enclosure portions may define a channel therebetween. A shape of the channel may be provided in response to a shape of a feature on the inspection surface. The shape of the channel may correspond to a curvature of the feature of the inspection surface. An outer covering for each of the enclosure portions may be provided, such as where the outer covering for each of the enclosure portions define a channel therebetween. The ferrous enclosure portions may include one of an outer chamfer and an outer curvature, and wherein the one of the outer chamfer and the outer curvature correspond to a shape of a feature on the inspection surface. The enclosure portions may include ferrous enclosure portions.

[0480] An example system includes an inspection robot having a plurality of wheels, wherein the plurality of wheels are positioned to engage an inspection surface when the inspection robot is positioned on the inspection surface; wherein each of the plurality of wheels comprises a magnetic hub portion interposed between enclosure portions; and wherein the inspection robot further comprises a gear box motively coupled to at least one of the wheels, and wherein the gear box comprises at least one thrust washer axially interposed between two gears of the gear box.

[0481] An example system includes an inspection robot having a plurality of wheels, wherein the plurality of wheels are positioned to engage an inspection surface when the inspection robot is positioned on the inspection surface; wherein each of the plurality of wheels comprises a magnetic hub portion interposed between enclosure portions; and wherein the inspection robot further comprises a gear box motively coupled to at least one of the wheels, and wherein the gear box comprises gears that are not a ferromagnetic material.

[0482] An example system includes an inspection robot having a plurality of wheels, wherein the plurality of wheels are positioned to engage an inspection surface when the inspection robot is positioned on the inspection surface; wherein each of the plurality of wheels comprises a magnetic hub portion interposed between enclosure portions; and wherein the inspection robot further comprises a gear box motively coupled to at least one of the wheels, and a means for reducing magnetically induced axial loads on gears of the gear box.

[0483] An example system includes an inspection robot, and a plurality of sleds mounted to the inspection robot; a plurality of acoustic sensors, wherein each acoustic sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds; and a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the acoustic sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface.

[0484] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0485] An example system may further include wherein each couplant chamber includes a cone, the cone including a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone, and a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion, and wherein the cone tip portion defines a couplant exit opening.

[0486] An example system may further include a couplant entry for the couplant chamber, wherein the couplant entry is positioned between the cone tip portion and the sensor mounting end.

[0487] An example system may further include wherein the couplant entry is positioned at a vertically upper side of the cone when the inspection robot is positioned on the inspection surface.

[0488] An example system may further include wherein each sled includes a couplant connection conduit, wherein the couplant connection conduit is coupled to a payload couplant connection at an upstream end, and coupled to the couplant entry of the cone at a downstream end.

[0489] An example method includes providing a sled for an inspection robot, the sled including an acoustic sensor mounted thereon and a couplant chamber disposed within the sled, and the couplant chamber having a couplant entry; coupling the sled to a payload of the inspection robot at an upstream end of a couplant connection conduit, the couplant connection conduit coupled to the couplant entry at a downstream end.

[0490] Certain further aspects of an example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example method.

[0491] An example method may further include de-coupling the sled from the payload of the inspection robot, and coupling a distinct sled to the payload of the inspection robot, without disconnecting the couplant connection conduit from the couplant entry.

[0492] An example apparatus includes a controller, the controller including: a position definition circuit structured to interpret position information for an inspection robot on an inspection surface; a data positioning circuit structured to interpret inspection data from the inspection robot, and to correlate the inspection data to the position information to determine position informed inspection data; and wherein the data positioning circuit is further structured to provide the position informed inspection data as one of additional inspection data or updated inspection data.

[0493] Certain further aspects of an example apparatus are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example apparatus.

[0494] An example apparatus may further include wherein the position information includes one of relative position information or absolute position information.

[0495] An example apparatus may further include wherein the position definition circuit is further structured to determine the position information according to at least one of: global positioning service (GPS) data; an ultra-wide band radio frequency (RF) signal; a LIDAR measurement; a dead reckoning operation; a relationship of the inspection robot position to a reference point; a barometric pressure value; and a known sensed value correlated to a position of the inspection robot.

[0496] An example apparatus may further include wherein the position definition circuit is further structured to interpret a plant shape value, to determine a definition of a plant space including the inspection surface in response to the plant shape value, and to correlate the inspection data with a plant position information (e.g., into plant position values) in response to the definition of the plant space and the position information.

[0497] An example method includes: interpreting position information for an inspection robot on an inspection surface; interpreting inspection data from the inspection robot; correlating the inspection data to the position information to determine position informed inspection data; and providing the position informed inspection data as one of additional inspection data or updated inspection data.

[0498] Certain further aspects of an example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example method.

[0499] An example method may further include updating the position information for the inspection robot, and correcting the position informed inspection data.

[0500] An example method may further include wherein the position information includes position information determined at least partially in response to a dead reckoning operation, and wherein the updated position information is determined at least partially in response to feedback position operation.

[0501] An example method may further include determining a plant definition value, and to determine plant position values in response to the plant definition value and the position information.

[0502] An example method may further include providing the position informed inspection data further in response to the plant position values.

[0503] An example apparatus includes: an inspection data circuit structured to interpret inspection data from an inspection robot on an inspection surface; a robot positioning circuit structured to interpret position data for the inspection robot; and an inspection visualization circuit structured to determine an inspection map in response to the inspection data and the position data, and to provide at least a portion of the inspection map for display to a user.

[0504] Certain further aspects of an example apparatus are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example apparatus.

[0505] An example apparatus may further include wherein the inspection visualization circuit is further responsive structured to interpret a user focus value, and to update the inspection map in response to the user focus value.

[0506] An example apparatus may further include wherein the inspection visualization circuit is further responsive structured to interpret a user focus value, and to provide focus data in response to the user focus value.

[0507] An example apparatus may further include wherein the inspection map includes a physical depiction of the inspection surface.

[0508] An example apparatus may further include the inspection map further includes a visual representation of at least a portion of the inspection data depicted on the inspection surface.

[0509] An example apparatus may further include wherein the inspection map includes a virtual mark for a portion of the inspection surface.

[0510] An example apparatus includes: an acoustic data circuit structured to interpret return signals from an inspection surface to determine raw acoustic data; a thickness processing circuit structured to determine a primary mode score value in response to the raw acoustic data, and in response to the primary mode score value exceeding a predetermined threshold, determining a primary mode value corresponding to a thickness of the inspection surface material.

[0511] Certain further aspects of an example apparatus are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example apparatus.

[0512] An example apparatus may further include wherein the thickness processing circuit is further structured to determine, in response to the primary mode score value not exceeding the predetermined threshold, a secondary mode score value in response to the raw acoustic data.

[0513] An example apparatus may further include wherein the thickness processing circuit is further structured to determine, in response to the secondary mode score value exceeding a threshold, a secondary mode value corresponding to a thickness of the inspection surface material.

[0514] An example apparatus may further include wherein the thickness processing circuit is further structured to determine the primary mode score value in response to at least one parameter selected from the parameters consisting of: a time of arrival for a primary return; a time of arrival for a secondary return; a character of a peak for the primary return; a character of a peak for the secondary return; a sensor alignment determination for an acoustic sensor providing the return signals; a sled position for a sled having the acoustic sensor mounted thereupon; and a couplant anomaly indication.

[0515] An example apparatus may further include wherein the secondary mode value including a value determined from a number of reflected peaks of the return signals.

[0516] An example apparatus may further include wherein the raw acoustic data includes a lead inspection data, the apparatus further including: a sensor configuration circuit structured to determine a configuration adjustment for a trailing sensor in response to the lead inspection data; and a sensor operation circuit structured to adjust at least one parameter of the trailing sensor in response to the configuration adjustment; and a trailing sensor responsive to the configuration adjustment.

[0517] An example apparatus may further include wherein the acoustic data circuit is further structured to interpret trailing inspection data from the trailing sensor.

[0518] An example apparatus may further include wherein the configuration adjustment includes at least one adjustment selected from the adjustments consisting of: changing of sensing parameters of the trailing sensor; wherein the trailing sensor includes an ultra-sonic sensor, and changing a cut-off time to observe a peak value for the trailing sensor; enabling operation of the trailing sensor; adjusting a sensor sampling rate of the trailing sensor; adjusting a fault cut-off value for the trailing sensor; adjusting a sensor range of the trailing sensor; adjusting a resolution value of the trailing sensor; changing a movement speed of an inspection robot, wherein the trailing sensor is operationally coupled to the inspection robot.

[0519] An example apparatus may further include wherein a lead sensor providing the lead inspection data includes a first sensor during a first inspection run, and wherein the trailing sensor includes the first sensor during a second inspection run.

[0520] An example apparatus may further include wherein the acoustic data circuit is further structured to interpret the lead inspection data and interpret the trailing inspection data in a single inspection run.

[0521] An example apparatus may further include the wherein the raw acoustic data includes a lead inspection data, the apparatus further including: a sensor configuration circuit structured to determine a configuration adjustment in response to the lead inspection data, and wherein the configuration includes an instruction to utilize at least one of a consumable, a slower, or a more expensive trailing operation in response to the lead inspection data.

[0522] An example apparatus may further include wherein the trailing operation includes at least one operation selected from the operations consisting of: a sensing operation; a repair operation; and a marking operation.

[0523] An example apparatus includes: an electromagnetic (EM) data circuit structured to interpret EM induction data provided by a magnetic induction sensor; a substrate distance circuit structured to determine a substrate distance value between the magnetic induction sensor and a ferrous substrate of an inspection surface; and an EM diagnostic circuit structured to provide a diagnostic value in response to the substrate distance value.

[0524] Certain further aspects of an example apparatus are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example apparatus.

[0525] An example apparatus may further include wherein the diagnostic value includes at least one value selected from the values consisting of: a rationality check indicating whether the sensor is positioned in proximity to the inspection surface; and a sensor position value indicating a distance from a second sensor to the substrate of the inspection surface.

[0526] An example apparatus may further include: an acoustic data circuit structured to interpret return signals from the inspection surface to determine raw acoustic data; a thickness processing circuit structured to: determine a primary mode score value in response to the raw acoustic data and further in response to the rationality check; and in response to the primary mode score value exceeding a predetermined threshold, determining a primary mode value corresponding to a thickness of the inspection surface material.

[0527] An example apparatus may further include: an acoustic data circuit structured to interpret return signals from the inspection surface to determine raw acoustic data; a thickness processing circuit structured to: determine a primary mode score value in response to the raw acoustic data and further in response to the sensor position value; and in response to the primary mode score value exceeding a predetermined threshold, determining a primary mode value corresponding to a thickness of the inspection surface material.

[0528] An example apparatus may further include: an acoustic data circuit structured to interpret return signals from the inspection surface to determine raw acoustic data; a thickness processing circuit structured to: determine a primary mode score value in response to the raw acoustic data and further in response to the diagnostic value; and in response to the primary mode score value exceeding a predetermined threshold, determining a primary mode value corresponding to a thickness of the inspection surface material.

[0529] An example method includes: determining an induction processing parameter; and adjusting an inspection plan for an inspection robot in response to the induction processing parameter.

[0530] Certain further aspects of an example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example method.

[0531] An example method may further include wherein the induction processing parameter includes at least one parameter selected from the parameters consisting of: a substrate distance value, a sensor position value, and a rationality diagnostic value.

[0532] An example method may further include wherein the adjusting the inspection plan includes at least one operation selected from the operations consisting of: adjusting a sensor calibration value; adjusting a trailing sensor calibration value; adjusting an inspection resolution value for a sensor used in the inspection plan; adjusting at least one of a number, a type, or a positioning of a plurality of sensors used in the inspection plan; adjusting an inspection trajectory of the inspection robot; adjusting a sled ramp configuration for the inspection robot; adjusting a down force for a sled of the inspection robot; and adjusting a down force for a sensor of the inspection robot.

[0533] An example method may further include performing an additional inspection operation in response to the induction processing parameter.

[0534] An example method may further include wherein the adjusting includes adjusting an inspection trajectory of the inspection robot to follow a detected feature on an inspection surface.

[0535] An example method may further include wherein the detected feature includes at least one feature selected from the features consisting of: a weld, a groove, a crack, and a coating difference area.

[0536] An example method may further include an operation to respond to the detected feature.

[0537] An example method may further include wherein the operation to respond to the detected feature includes at least one operation selected from the operations consisting of: a repair operation; a treatment operation; a weld operation; an epoxy application operation; a cleaning operation; a marking operation; and a coating operation.

[0538] An example method may further include detecting a feature on the inspection surface, and marking the feature virtually on an inspection map.

[0539] An example method may further include detecting a feature on the inspection surface, and marking the feature with a mark not in the visible spectrum.

[0540] An example method may further include wherein the marking further includes utilizing at least one of an ultra-violet dye, a penetrant, and a virtual mark.

[0541] An example method includes: performing an inspection operation on an inspection surface, the inspection operation including an inspection surface profiling operation; determining a contour of at least a portion of the inspection surface in response to the surface profiling operation; and adjusting a calibration of an ultra-sonic sensor in response to the contour.

[0542] Certain further aspects of an example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example method.

[0543] An example method may further include wherein the adjusting is performed as a post-processing operation.

[0544] An example method includes: performing an inspection operation on an inspection surface, the inspection operation including interrogating the inspection surface with an electromagnetic sensor; determining an induction processing parameter in response to the interrogating; and adjusting a calibration of an ultra-sonic sensor in response to the induction processing parameter.

[0545] Certain further aspects of an example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example method.

[0546] An example method may further include wherein the adjusting is performed as a post-processing operation.

[0547] An example method includes: interpreting inspection data from an inspection robot on an inspection surface; interpreting position data for the inspection robot; and determining an inspection map in response to the inspection data and the position data, and providing at least a portion of the inspection map for display to a user.

[0548] Certain further aspects of an example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example method.

[0549] An example method may further include wherein the inspection map includes at least one parameter selected from the parameters consisting of: how much material should be added to the inspection surface; and a type of repair that should be applied to the inspection surface.

[0550] An example method may further include wherein the inspection map further includes an indication of a time until a repair of the inspection surface will be required.

[0551] An example method may further include accessing a facility wear model, and determining the time until a repair of the inspection surface will be required in response to the facility wear model.

[0552] An example method may further include wherein the inspection map further includes an indication a time that a repair of the inspection surface is expected to last.

[0553] An example method may further include accessing a facility wear model, and determining the time that the repair of the inspection surface is expected to last in response to the facility wear model.

[0554] An example method may further include determining the time that the repair of the inspection surface is expected to last in response to a type of repair to be performed.

[0555] An example method may further include presenting a user with a number of repair options, and further determining the time that the repair of the inspection surface is expected to last in response to a selected one of the number of repair options.

[0556] An example method includes accessing an industrial system comprising an inspection surface, wherein the inspection surface comprises a personnel risk feature; operating an inspection robot to inspect at least a portion of the inspection surface, wherein the operating the inspection is performed with at least a portion of the industrial system providing the personnel risk feature still operating; interpreting position information for the inspection robot on the inspection surface; interpreting inspection data from the inspection robot; correlating the inspection data to the position information to determine position informed inspection data; and providing the position informed inspection data as one of additional inspection data or updated inspection data.

[0557] An example system including an inspection robot with a sensor configuration circuit structured to determine a configuration adjustment for a trailing sensor in response to the lead inspection data; a sensor operation circuit structured to adjust at least one parameter of the trailing sensor in response to the configuration adjustment; and a trailing sensor responsive to the configuration adjustment, the inspection robot interpreting position information on an inspection surface, interpreting inspection data from the inspection robot, correlating the inspection data to the position information to determine position informed inspection data, and providing the position informed inspection data as one of additional inspection data or updated inspection data.

[0558] An example system including an inspection robot comprising at least one payload; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to the at least one payload; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of sleds are distributed horizontally across the payload; and a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding plurality of sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the plurality of sleds.

[0559] An example system including an inspection robot, and a plurality of sleds mounted to the inspection robot; a plurality of acoustic sensors, wherein each acoustic sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds; and a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the acoustic sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface; the inspection robot providing a fixed acoustic path between a sensor coupled to an inspection robot and an inspection surface, filling the acoustic path with a couplant, and acoustically interrogating the inspection surface with the sensor.

[0560] An example system including an inspection robot, and a plurality of sleds mounted to the inspection robot; a plurality of acoustic sensors, wherein each acoustic sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds; a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the acoustic sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface; wherein each couplant chamber comprises a cone, the cone comprising a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone, and a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion, and wherein the cone tip portion defines a couplant exit opening.

[0561] An example system including an inspection robot, and a plurality of sleds mounted to the inspection robot; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds; a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface, wherein each couplant chamber comprises a cone, the cone comprising a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone, and a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion, and wherein the cone tip portion defines a couplant exit opening; the inspection robot providing a fixed acoustic path between a sensor coupled to an inspection robot and an inspection surface; filling the acoustic path with a couplant; and acoustically interrogating the inspection surface with the sensor.

[0562] A system, comprising: an inspection robot comprising a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; and a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, wherein each sled comprises an upper portion and a replaceable lower portion having a bottom surface, and a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds.

[0563] An example system including an inspection robot comprising at least one payload; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to the at least one payload; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, and wherein the plurality of sleds are distributed horizontally across the payload; an acoustic data circuit structured to interpret return signals from an inspection surface to determine raw acoustic data; a thickness processing circuit structured to determine a primary mode score value in response to the raw acoustic data, and in response to the primary mode score value exceeding a predetermined threshold, determining a primary mode value corresponding to a thickness of the inspection surface material.

[0564] An example system including an inspection robot comprising at least one payload; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to the at least one payload; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, and wherein the plurality of sleds are distributed horizontally across the payload; an electromagnetic (EM) data circuit structured to interpret EM induction data provided by a magnetic induction sensor; a substrate distance circuit structured to determine a substrate distance value between the magnetic induction sensor and a ferrous substrate of an inspection surface; and an EM diagnostic circuit structured to provide a diagnostic value in response to the substrate distance value.

[0565] An example system including an inspection robot comprising a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds; a biasing member disposed within each of the sleds, wherein the biasing member provides a down force to the corresponding one of the plurality of sensors; the inspection robot providing a fixed acoustic path between a sensor coupled to an inspection robot and an inspection surface, filling the acoustic path with a couplant, and acoustically interrogating the inspection surface with the sensor.

[0566] An example system includes an inspection robot having a plurality of wheels, wherein the plurality of wheels are positioned to engage an inspection surface when the inspection robot is positioned on the inspection surface; wherein each of the plurality of wheels comprises a magnetic hub portion interposed between enclosure portions; wherein the inspection robot further comprises a gear box motively coupled to at least one of the wheels, and wherein the gear box comprises at least one thrust washer axially interposed between two gears of the gear box; and wherein the enclosure portions extend past the magnetic hub portion and thereby prevent contact of the magnetic hub portion with the inspection surface.

[0567] An example system including an inspection robot comprising a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms at a selected one of a plurality of pivot point positions; and a controller configured to select the one of the plurality of pivot point positions during an inspection run of the inspection robot, the controller configured to select the one of the plurality of pivot point positions in response to a travel direction of the inspection robot, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms at a plurality of pivot point positions.

[0568] An example system including an inspection data circuit structured to interpret lead inspection data from a lead sensor; a sensor configuration circuit structured to determine a configuration adjustment for a trailing sensor in response to the lead inspection data; a sensor operation circuit structured to adjust at least one parameter of the trailing sensor in response to the configuration adjustment;

[0569] the system interpreting inspection data from an inspection robot on an inspection surface; interpreting position data for the inspection robot; and determining an inspection map in response to the inspection data and the position data, and providing at least a portion of the inspection map for display to a user.

[0570] An example method including determining an inspection resolution for an inspection surface; configuring an inspection robot by providing a plurality of horizontally distributed sensors operationally coupled to the inspection robot in response to the inspection resolution; performing an inspection operation on the inspection surface at a resolution at least equal to the inspection resolution, wherein the plurality of horizontally distributed sensors are provided on a first payload of the inspection robot, and wherein the configuring the inspection robot further comprises enhancing at least one of a horizontal sensing resolution or a vertical sensing resolution of the inspection robot by providing a second plurality of horizontally distributed sensors on a second payload of the inspection robot; interpreting inspection data from the inspection robot on an inspection surface; interpreting position data for the inspection robot; and determining an inspection map in response to the inspection data and the position data, and providing at least a portion of the inspection map for display to a user.

[0571] An example system including an inspection robot comprising at least one payload; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to the at least one payload; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms; and a plurality of sensors mounted on each of the plurality of sleds; the inspection robot determining an induction processing parameter, and adjusting an inspection plan for an inspection robot in response to the induction processing parameter.

[0572] An example system including an inspection robot comprising at least one payload; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to the at least one payload; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms; a plurality of sensors mounted on each of the plurality of sleds; an inspection data circuit structured to interpret lead inspection data from a lead sensor; a sensor configuration circuit structured to determine a configuration adjustment for a trailing sensor in response to the lead inspection data; and a sensor operation circuit structured to adjust at least one parameter of the trailing sensor in response to the configuration adjustment.

[0573] An example system including an inspection robot comprising a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, and wherein each sled comprises a bottom surface; and a removable layer positioned on each of the bottom surfaces;

[0574] the inspection robot determining an induction processing parameter, and adjusting an inspection plan for an inspection robot in response to the induction processing parameter.

[0575] An example system including an inspection robot having a plurality of wheels, wherein the plurality of wheels are positioned to engage an inspection surface when the inspection robot is positioned on the inspection surface, wherein each of the plurality of wheels comprises a magnetic hub portion interposed between enclosure portions, wherein the enclosure portions extend past the magnetic hub portion and thereby prevent contact of the magnetic hub portion with the inspection surface, the inspection robot providing a fixed acoustic path between a sensor coupled to an inspection robot and an inspection surface, filling the acoustic path with a couplant, and acoustically interrogating the inspection surface with the sensor.

[0576] An example method includes: performing an inspection operation on an inspection surface, the inspection operation including an inspection surface profiling operation; detecting a feature on the inspection surface and marking the feature virtually on an inspection map; determining a contour of at least a portion of the inspection surface in response to the surface profiling operation; and adjusting a calibration of an ultra-sonic sensor in response to the contour.

[0577] Certain further aspects of an example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example method.

[0578] An example method may further include wherein the inspection operation includes interrogating the inspection surface with an electromagnetic sensor; determining an induction processing parameter in response to the interrogating; and further adjusting the calibration of the ultra-sonic sensor in response to the induction processing parameter.

[0579] An example method may further include wherein the detected feature includes at least one feature selected from the features consisting of: a weld, a groove, a crack, and a coating difference area.

[0580] An example apparatus includes: an inspection data circuit structured to interpret inspection data from an inspection robot on an inspection surface; a robot positioning circuit structured to interpret position data for the inspection robot; an electromagnetic (EM) data circuit structured to interpret EM induction data provided by a magnetic induction sensor; a substrate distance circuit structured to determine a substrate distance value between the magnetic induction sensor and a ferrous substrate of an inspection surface; an EM diagnostic circuit structured to provide a diagnostic value in response to the substrate distance value; and an inspection visualization circuit structured to determine an inspection map in response to the inspection data and the position data, and to provide at least a portion of the inspection map for display to a user.

[0581] Certain further aspects of an example apparatus are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example apparatus.

[0582] An example apparatus may further include wherein the diagnostic value includes at least one value selected from the values consisting of: a rationality check indicating whether the sensor is positioned in proximity to the inspection surface; and a sensor position value indicating a distance from a second sensor to the substrate of the inspection surface.

[0583] An example apparatus may further include wherein the inspection visualization circuit is further responsively structured to interpret a user focus value, and to update the inspection map in response to the user focus value.

[0584] An example method includes: determining an inspection resolution for an inspection surface; configuring an inspection robot by providing a plurality of horizontally distributed sensors operationally coupled to the inspection robot in response to the inspection resolution; performing an inspection operation on the inspection surface at a resolution at least equal to the inspection resolution; interpreting inspection data from the inspection robot on the inspection surface; interpreting position data for the inspection robot; determining an inspection map in response to the inspection data and the position data; detecting a feature on the inspection surface and marking the feature virtually on the inspection map; and providing at least a portion of the inspection map for display to a user.

[0585] Certain further aspects of an example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example method.

[0586] An example method may further include wherein the performing the inspection operation includes interrogating the inspection surface acoustically utilizing the plurality of horizontally distributed sensors.

[0587] An example apparatus includes: a controller, the controller including: an electromagnetic (EM) data circuit structured to interpret EM induction data provided by a magnetic induction sensor; a substrate distance circuit structured to determine a substrate distance value between the magnetic induction sensor and a ferrous substrate of an inspection surface; an EM diagnostic circuit structured to provide a diagnostic value in response to the substrate distance value; a position definition circuit structured to interpret position information for an inspection robot on an inspection surface; and a data positioning circuit to correlate the substrate distance values to the position information to determine position informed substrate distance values and wherein the data positioning circuit is further structured to provide the position informed substrate distance values as one of additional inspection data or updated inspection data.

[0588] Certain further aspects of an example apparatus are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example apparatus.

[0589] An example apparatus may further include wherein the diagnostic value includes at least one value selected from the values consisting of: a rationality check indicating whether the sensor is positioned in proximity to the inspection surface; and a sensor position value indicating a distance from a second sensor to the substrate of the inspection surface.

[0590] An example apparatus may further include wherein the position definition circuit is further structured to determine the position information according to at least one of: global positioning service (GPS) data; an ultra-wide band radio frequency (RF) signal; a LIDAR measurement; a dead reckoning operation; a relationship of the inspection robot position to a reference point; a barometric pressure value; and a known sensed value correlated to a position of the inspection robot.

[0591] An example apparatus includes: an acoustic data circuit structured to interpret return signals from an inspection surface to determine raw acoustic data; a thickness processing circuit structured to determine a primary mode score value in response to the raw acoustic data, and in response to the primary mode score value exceeding a predetermined threshold, determining a primary mode value corresponding to a thickness of the inspection surface material; a robot positioning circuit structured to interpret position data for the inspection robot; and an inspection visualization circuit structured to determine an inspection map in response to the thickness of the inspection surface material and the position data, and to provide at least a portion of the inspection map for display to a user.

[0592] Certain further aspects of an example apparatus are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example apparatus.

[0593] An example apparatus may further include wherein the inspection visualization circuit is further structured to determine an inspection map in response to the primary mode score value.

[0594] An example apparatus may further include wherein the thickness processing circuit is further structured to determine, in response to the primary mode score value not exceeding the predetermined threshold, a secondary mode score value in response to the raw acoustic data.

[0595] An example method includes: accessing an industrial system including an inspection surface, wherein the inspection surface includes a personnel risk feature; operating an inspection robot to inspect at least a portion of the inspection surface, wherein the inspection robot has a plurality of wheels and wherein each of the plurality of wheels includes a magnetic hub portion interposed between enclosure portions, the enclosure portions extending past the magnetic hub portion and thereby preventing contact of the magnetic hub portion with the inspection surf; and wherein operating the inspection is performed with at least a portion of the industrial system providing the personnel risk feature still operating.

[0596] Certain further aspects of an example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example method.

[0597] An example method may further include wherein the personnel risk feature includes at least one of a portion of the inspection surface having an elevated height, an elevated temperature of at least a portion of the inspection surface, a portion of the inspection surface is positioned within the enclosed space, and an electrical power connection.

[0598] An example method may further include determining a position of the inspection robot within the industrial system during the operating the inspection robot, and shutting down only a portion of the industrial system during the inspection operation in response to the position of the inspection robot.

[0599] An example system includes: an inspection robot including: a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; and a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, and wherein each sled includes a bottom surface; and a removable layer positioned on each of the bottom surfaces; and a controller, the controller including: an electromagnetic (EM) data circuit structured to interpret EM induction data provided by a magnetic induction sensor; a substrate distance circuit structured to determine a substrate distance value between the magnetic induction sensor and a ferrous substrate of an inspection surface; and an EM diagnostic circuit structured to provide a diagnostic value in response to the substrate distance value.

[0600] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0601] An example system may further include wherein at least one of the sleds includes a magnetic induction sensor.

[0602] An example system may further include wherein the removable layer includes a thickness providing a selected spatial orientation between an inspection contact side of the removable layer and the bottom surface.

[0603] An example system may further include wherein the diagnostic value includes at least one value selected from the values consisting of: a rationality check indicating whether the sensor is positioned in proximity to the inspection surface; and a sensor position value indicating a distance from a second sensor to the substrate of the inspection surface.

[0604] An example system includes: an inspection robot including: at least one payload; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to the at least one payload; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, and wherein the plurality of sleds are distributed horizontally across the payload; and wherein the horizontal distribution of the plurality of sleds provides for a selected horizontal resolution of the plurality of sensors.

[0605] An example system includes: an inspection robot including: a payload; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to the payload; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, thereby configuring a horizontal distribution of the plurality of sleds; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds; and a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface.

[0606] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0607] An example system may further include wherein the horizontal distribution of the plurality of sleds provides for a selected horizontal resolution of the plurality of sensors.

[0608] An example system may further include a controller configured to determine the selected horizontal resolution and to configure a position of the plurality of arms on the payload in response to the selected horizontal resolution.

[0609] An example system may further include wherein each couplant chamber includes a cone, the cone including a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone, and a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion, and wherein the cone tip portion defines a couplant exit opening.

[0610] An example system includes: an inspection robot; a plurality of sleds mounted to the inspection robot, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted at a selected one of a plurality of pivot point positions; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds; and a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface.

[0611] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0612] An example system may further include a controller configured to select the one of the plurality of pivot point positions during an inspection run of the inspection robot.

[0613] An example system may further include wherein each couplant chamber includes a cone, the cone including a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone, and a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion, and wherein the cone tip portion defines a couplant exit opening.

[0614] An example system includes an inspection robot including a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is mounted to one of the plurality of arms at a selected one of a plurality of pivot point positions; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds; a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface; and a biasing member coupled to each one of the plurality of arms, and wherein the biasing member provides a biasing force to corresponding one of the plurality of sleds, wherein the biasing force is directed toward the inspection surface.

[0615] An example system includes: an inspection robot, and a plurality of sleds mounted to the inspection robot; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds, wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds is contoured in response to a shape of the inspection surface; and a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface.

[0616] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0617] An example system may further include wherein each couplant chamber includes a cone, the cone including a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone, and a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion, and wherein the cone tip portion defines a couplant exit opening.

[0618] An example system may further include wherein the inspection surface includes a pipe outer wall, and wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds includes a concave shape.

[0619] An example system may further include wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds includes at least one shape selected from the shapes consisting of: a concave shape, a convex shape, and a curved shape.

[0620] An example system includes: an inspection robot including a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is mounted to one of the plurality of arms, a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds, wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds is contoured in response to a shape of the inspection surface; a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface; and a biasing member coupled to each one of the plurality of arms, and wherein the biasing member provides a biasing force to corresponding one of the plurality of sleds, wherein the biasing force is directed toward the inspection surface.

[0621] An example method includes: providing an inspection robot having a plurality of payloads and a corresponding plurality of sleds for each of the payloads, wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds is contoured in response to a shape of an inspection surface; mounting a sensor on each of the sleds, each sensor mounted to a couplant chamber interposed between the sensor and the inspection surface, and each couplant chamber including a couplant entry for the couplant chamber; changing one of the plurality of payloads to a distinct payload; and wherein the changing of the plurality of payloads does not include dismounting any of the sensors from corresponding couplant chambers.

[0622] An example system includes an inspection robot including a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; and a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, and wherein each sled includes a bottom surface defining a ramp and wherein each sled defines a chamber sized to accommodate a sensor.

[0623] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0624] An example system may further include wherein each chamber further includes a stop, and wherein each of the plurality of sensors is positioned against the stop.

[0625] An example system may further include wherein each sensor positioned against the stop has a predetermined positional relationship with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the plurality of sleds.

[0626] An example system may further include wherein each sled further includes the bottom surface defining two ramps, wherein the two ramps include a forward ramp and a rearward ramp.

[0627] An example system may further include wherein the ramp include at least one of a ramp angle and a ramp total height value.

[0628] An example system may further include wherein the at least one of the ramp angle and the ramp total height value are configured to traverse an obstacle on an inspection surface to be traversed by the inspection robot.

[0629] An example system includes: an inspection robot including a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; and a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, and wherein each sled defines a chamber sized to accommodate a sensor, and wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds is contoured in response to a shape of an inspection surface.

[0630] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0631] An example system may further include wherein each chamber further includes a stop, and wherein each of the plurality of sensors is positioned against the stop.

[0632] An example system may further include wherein each sensor positioned against the stop has a predetermined positional relationship with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the plurality of sleds.

[0633] An example system may further include wherein the inspection surface includes a pipe outer wall, and wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds includes a concave shape.

[0634] An example system may further include wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds includes at least one shape selected from the shapes consisting of: a concave shape, a convex shape, and a curved shape.

[0635] An example system includes: an inspection robot including: a payload; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to the payload; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms, thereby configuring a horizontal distribution of the plurality of sleds; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds, wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds is contoured in response to a shape of an inspection surface; and a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface.

[0636] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0637] An example system may further include wherein the horizontal distribution of the plurality of sleds provides for a selected horizontal resolution of the plurality of sensors.

[0638] An example system may further include a controller configured to determine the selected horizontal resolution and to configure a position of the plurality of arms on the payload in response to the selected horizontal resolution.

[0639] An example system may further include wherein each couplant chamber includes a cone, the cone including a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone, and a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion, and wherein the cone tip portion defines a couplant exit opening.

[0640] An example system may further include wherein the inspection surface includes a pipe outer wall, and wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds includes a concave shape.

[0641] An example system may further include wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds includes at least one shape selected from the shapes consisting of: a concave shape, a convex shape, and a curved shape.

[0642] An example system includes: an inspection robot including: a payload; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to the payload; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms at a selected one of a plurality of pivot point positions; thereby configuring a horizontal distribution of the plurality of sleds; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds; and a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface.

[0643] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0644] An example system may further include wherein the horizontal distribution of the plurality of sleds provides for a selected horizontal resolution of the plurality of sensors.

[0645] An example system may further include a controller configured to determine the selected horizontal resolution and to configure a position of the plurality of arms on the payload in response to the selected horizontal resolution.

[0646] An example system may further include wherein each couplant chamber includes a cone, the cone including a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone, and a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion, and wherein the cone tip portion defines a couplant exit opening.

[0647] An example system includes: an inspection robot; a plurality of sleds mounted to the inspection robot, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted at a selected one of a plurality of pivot point positions; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds, wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds is contoured in response to a shape of an inspection surface; and a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface.

[0648] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0649] An example system may further include a controller configured to select the one of the plurality of pivot point positions during an inspection run of the inspection robot.

[0650] An example system may further include wherein each couplant chamber includes a cone, the cone including a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone, and a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion, and wherein the cone tip portion defines a couplant exit opening.

[0651] An example system may further include wherein the inspection surface includes a pipe outer wall, and wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds includes a concave shape.

[0652] An example system may further include wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds includes at least one shape selected from the shapes consisting of: a concave shape, a convex shape, and a curved shape.

[0653] An example system includes: an inspection robot including: a payload; a plurality of arms, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally mounted to the payload; a plurality of sleds, wherein each sled is pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of arms at a selected one of a plurality of pivot point positions; thereby configuring a horizontal distribution of the plurality of sleds; a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is mounted to a corresponding one of the sleds such that the sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds, wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds is contoured in response to a shape of an inspection surface; and a couplant chamber disposed within each of the plurality of sleds, each couplant chamber interposed between a transducer of the sensor mounted to the sled and the inspection surface.

[0654] Certain further aspects of an example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments of the example system.

[0655] An example system may further include wherein the horizontal distribution of the plurality of sleds provides for a selected horizontal resolution of the plurality of sensors.

[0656] An example system may further include a controller configured to determine the selected horizontal resolution and to configure a position of the plurality of arms on the payload in response to the selected horizontal resolution.

[0657] An example system may further include wherein each couplant chamber includes a cone, the cone including a cone tip portion at an inspection surface end of the cone, and a sensor mounting end opposite the cone tip portion, and wherein the cone tip portion defines a couplant exit opening.

[0658] An example system may further include wherein the inspection surface includes a pipe outer wall, and wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds includes a concave shape.

[0659] An example system may further include wherein the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the sleds includes at least one shape selected from the shapes consisting of: a concave shape, a convex shape, and a curved shape.

[0660] Certain additional or alternative aspects of an inspection robot and/or a base station operatively coupled with the inspection robot are described following. Any one or more of the aspects described following may be added, combined with, and/or utilized as a replacement for any one or more aspects of other embodiments described throughout the present disclosure.

[0661] As shown in FIG. 49, a system may comprise a base station 4902 connected by a tether 4904 to a center module 4910 of a robot 4908 used to traverse an industrial surface. The tether 4904 may be a conduit for power, fluids, control, and data communications between the base station 4902 and the robot 4908. The robot 4908 may include a center module 4910 connected to one or more drive modules 4912 which enable the robot 4908 to move along an industrial surface. The center module 4910 may be coupled to one or more sensor modules 4914 for measuring an industrial surface—for example, the sensor modules 4914 may be positioned on a drive module 4912, on the payload, in the center body housing, and/or aspects of a sensor module 4914 may be distributed among these. An example embodiment includes the sensor modules 4914 each positioned on an associated drive module 4912, and electrically coupled to the center module 4910 for power, communications, and/or control. The base station 4902 may include an auxiliary pump 4920, a control module 4924 and a power module 4922. The example robot 4908 may be an inspection robot, which may include any one or more of the following features: inspection sensors, cleaning tools, and/or repair tools. In certain embodiments, it will be understood that an inspection robot 4908 is configured to perform only cleaning and/or repair operations, and/or may be configured for sensing, inspection, cleaning, and/or repair operations at different operating times (e.g., performing one type of operation at a first operating time, and performing another type of operation at a second operating time), and/or may be configured to perform more than one of these operations in a single run or traversal of an industrial surface (e.g., the “inspection surface”). The modules 4910, 4912, 4914, 4920, 4922, 4924 are configured to functionally execute operations described throughout the present disclosure, and may include any one or more hardware aspects as described herein, such as sensors, actuators, circuits, drive wheels, motors, housings, payload configurations, and the like.

[0662] Referring to FIG. 50, the power module 4922 may receive AC electrical power as an input (e.g., from standard power outlets, available power at an industrial site, etc.), the input power may range, without limitation, from 85 Volts to 240 Volts and 10 Amps to 20 Amps. The power module 4922 may include transformers (e.g., two transformers 5002 5004). An example low power AC-DC transformer 5002 transforms the input power to a low output power 5010 of 24 Volts DC. An example high-power AC-DC transformer 5004 transforms the input power to a high output power 5012 of approximately 365 Volts DC. The use of the high output power 5012 as input to the robot 4908 provides a high-power density to the robot, and enables a reduction in the weight of the tether 4904 relative to that required if the lower output power 5010 were used to power the robot 4908, as well as providing for a higher robot climbing capability (e.g., using a longer tether), lower coupling forces on the tether, and/or providing extra capacity within a given tether weight profile for additional coupled aspects (e.g., communications, couplant flow capability, tether hardening or shielding capability, etc.). The low output power 5010 may be used to power peripherals 5014 on the base station 4902 such as an operator interface, a display, and the like. The low output power 5010 may also be used to power a robot proximity circuit 5018 and/or a HV protection and monitoring module 5020. An example system includes the control module 4924 of the base station using the low power output 5010 on the tether 4904 to verify the presence of the robot 4908 at the end of the tether 4904 using the robot proximity circuit 5018. The HV protection and monitoring module 5020 verifies the integrity of the tether by checking for overcurrent, shorts, and voltage differences before coupling the high power output 5012. An example tether may include a proximity line having a specific resistor value. A safe, known low voltage may be supplied to the proximity line, the voltage at the top of the robot measured and the voltage drop compared with the expected voltage drop across the tether given the known resistance. Once the integrity of the tether 4904 and the presence of the robot 4908 are verified, the power through the tether 4904 is switched to the high output power 5012. The HV protection and monitoring module 5020 may include fuses of any type, which may be e-fuses allowing for re-coupling of protected circuits after a fuse is activated. The fuses protect the robot proximity module 5018 and the robot 4908 by shutting off power if an over current or short condition is detected. The use of the e-fuses enables the fuse to be reset with a command rather than having to physically replace the fuse.

[0663] The control module 4924 may be in communication with the robot 4908 by way of the tether 4904. Additionally or alternatively, the control module 4924 may communicate with the robot 4908 wirelessly, through a network, or in any other manner. The robot 4908 may provide the base station 4902 with any available information, such as, without limitation: the status of the robot 4908 and associated components, data collected by the sensor module 4914 regarding the industrial surface, vertical height of the robot 4908, water pressure and/or flow rate coming into the robot 4908, visual data regarding the robot's environment, position information for the robot 4908 and/or information (e.g., encoder traversal distances) from which the control module 4924 can determine the position of the robot. The control module 4924 may provide the robot 4908 with commands such as navigational commands, commands to the sensor modules regarding control of the sensor modules and the like, warning of an upcoming power loss, couplant pressure information, and the like.

[0664] The base station 4902 may receive an input of couplant, typically water, from an external source such as a plant or municipal water source. The base station 4902 may include a pressure and/or flow sensing device to measure incoming flow rate and/or pressure. Typically, the incoming couplant may be supplied directly to the tether 4904 for transport to the robot 4908. However, if the incoming pressure is low or the flow rate is insufficient, the couplant may be run through the auxiliary pump 4920 prior to supplying the couplant to the tether 4904. In certain embodiments, the base station 4902 may include a make-up tank and/or a couplant source tank, for example to supply couplant if an external source is unavailable or is insufficient for an extended period. The auxiliary pump 4920 may be regulated by the control module 4924 based on data from the sensor and/or combined with data received from the robot 4908. The auxiliary pump 4920 may be used to: adjust the pressure of the couplant sent to the robot 4908 based on the vertical height of the robot 4908; adjust for spikes or drops in the incoming couplant; provide intermittent pressure increases to flush out bubbles in the acoustic path of ultra-sonic sensors, and the like. The auxiliary pump 4920 may include a shut off safety valve in case the pressure exceeds a threshold.

[0665] As shown in FIG. 51, the center module 4910 (or center body) of the robot may include a couplant inlet 5102, a data communications/control tether input 5112, forward facing and reverse facing navigation cameras 5104, multiple sensor connectors 5118, couplant outlets 5108 (e.g., to each payload), and one or more drive module connections 5110 (e.g., one on each side). An example center module 4910 includes a distributed controller design, with low-level and hardware control decision making pushed down to various low level control modules (e.g., 5114, and/or further control modules on the drive modules as described throughout the present disclosure). The utilization of a distributed controller design, for example as depicted schematically in FIG. 85, facilitates rapid design, rapid upgrades to components, and compatibility with a range of components and associated control modules 5114. For example, the distributed controller design allows the high level controller (e.g., the brain/gateway) to provide communications in a standardized high-level format (e.g., requesting movement rates, sensed parameter values, powering of components, etc.) without utilizing the hardware specific low-level controls and interfaces for each component, allowing independent development of hardware components and associated controls. The use of the low-level control modules may improve development time and enable the base level control module to be component neutral and send commands, leaving the specific implementation up to the low-level control module 5114 associated with a specific camera, sensor, sensor module, actuator, drive module, and the like. The distributed controller design may extend to distributing the local control to the drive module(s) and sensor module(s) as well.

[0666] Referring to FIGS. 52-53, the bottom surface of the center module 4910 may include a cold plate 5202 to disperse heat built up by electronics in the center module 4910. Couplant transferred from the base station 4902 using the tether 4904 may be received at the couplant inlet 5102 where it then flows through a manifold 5302 where the couplant may transfer excess heat away from the central module 4910. The manifold 5302 may also split the water into multiple streams for output through two or more couplant outlets 5108. The utilization of the cold plate 5202 and heat transfer to couplant passing through the center body as a part of operations of the inspection robot provides for greater capability and reliability of the inspection robot by providing for improved heat rejection for heat generating components (e.g., power electronics and circuits), while adding minimal weight to the robot and tether. FIG. 53 depicts an example distribution of couplant flow through the cold plate and to each payload. In certain embodiments, couplant flow may also be provided to a rear payload, which may have a direct flow passage and/or may further include an additional cold plate on a rear portion of the inspection robot.

[0667] FIG. 55 shows an exterior and exploded view of a drive module 4912. A drive module 4912 may include motors 5502 and motor shielding 5508, a wheel actuator assembly 5504 housing the motor, and wheel assemblies 5510 including, for example, a magnetic wheel according to any magnetic wheel described throughout the present disclosure. An example drive module 4912 includes a handle 5512 to enable an operator to transport the robot 4908 and position the robot 4908 on an industrial surface. The motor shielding 5508 may be made of an electrically conductive material, and provide protection for the motors 5502 and associated motor position and/or speed sensors (e.g., a hall effect sensor) from electro-magnetic interference (EMI) generated by the wheel assembly 5510. The drive module 4912 provides a mounting rail 5514 for a payload and/or sensor module 4914, which may cooperate with a mounting rail on the center body to support the payload. An example drive module 4912 includes one or more payload actuators 5518 (e.g., the payload gas spring) for engaging and disengaging the payload or sensor module 4914 from an inspection surface (or industrial surface), and/or for adjusting a down force of the payload (and thereby a downforce for specific sensor carriages and/or sleds) relative to the inspection surface. The drive module 4912 may include a connecter 5520 that provides an interface with the center module for power and communications.

[0668] FIG. 54A depicts an external view of an example drive module 4912, with an encoder assembly 5524 (reference FIG. 55) depicted in an extended position (left figure) or a partially retracted position (right figure). The encoder assembly 5524 in the examples of FIGS. 54A-54B and 55 includes a passive wheel that remains in contact with the inspection surface, and an encoder detecting the turning of the wheel (e.g., including a hall effect sensor). The encoder assembly 5524 provides for an independent determination of the movement of the inspection robot, thereby allowing for corrections, for example, where the magnetic wheels may slip or lose contact with the inspection surface, and accordingly the determination of the inspection robot position and/or movement from the magnetic wheels may not provide an accurate representation of the movement of the inspection robot. In certain embodiments, a drive module on each side of the center body each include a separate encoder assembly 5524, thereby providing for detection and control for turning or other movement of the inspection robot.

[0669] Each drive module 4912 may have an embedded microcontroller 5522 which provides control and communications relating to the motors, actuators, sensors, and/or encoders associated with that drive module 4912. The embedded microcontroller 5522 responds to navigational and/or speed commands from the base station 4902 and/or high level center body controller, obstacle detection, error detection, and the like. In certain embodiments, the drive module 4912 is reversible and will function appropriately, independent of the side of the center module 4910 to which it is attached. The drive module 4912 may have hollowed out portions (e.g., the frame visible in FIGS. 54A-54B) which may be covered, at least in part, of a screen (e.g., a carbon fiber screen) to reduce the overall weight of the drive module. The utilization of a screen, in certain embodiments, provides protection from the hollowed out portion filling with debris or other material that may provide increased weight and/or undesirable operation of the inspection robot.

[0670] FIG. 56A shows an exploded view of an actuator assembly 5504 that drives a wheel assembly 5510 of the drive module 4912. FIG. 56B shows a cross section of a drive shaft and flex cup of a strain wave transmission. A motor 5502 may be attached to an aft plate 5604 with the motor shaft 5606 protruding through the aft plate 5604. A wave generator 5608, a non-circular ball bearing, may be mounted to the motor shaft 5606. The wave generator 5608 is spun inside of a cup style strain wave gearbox (flex spline cup 5610). The flex spline cup 5610 may spin on the wave generator 5608 and interact with a ring gear 5612, the ring gear 5612, having fewer teeth than the flex spline cup 5610. This causes the gear set to “walk” which provides for a high ratio of angular speed reduction in a compact form (e.g., a short axial distance). The flex spline cup 5610 may be bolted, using the bolt plate 5614 to the driveshaft output shaft 5618. The interaction of the wave generator 5608 and the flex spline cup 5610 result in, for example, a fifty to one (50:1) reduction in rotational speed between the motor shaft 5606 and the driveshaft output shaft 5618. The example reduction ratio is non-limiting, and any desired reduction ratio may be utilized. Example and non-limiting considerations for the reduction ratio include: the speed and/or torque profile of available motors 5502; the weight, desired trajectory (e.g., vertical, horizontal, or mixed), and/or desired speed of the inspection robot; the available space within the inspection robot for gear ratio management; the size (e.g. diameter) of the drive wheels, drive shaft, and/or any other aspect of the driveline (e.g., torque path between the motor 5502 and the drive wheels); and/or the available power to be provided to the inspection robot. Further, the use of this mechanical method of reduction in rotational speed is not affected by any EMI produced by the magnets in the wheel modules (e.g., as a planetary gear set, or other gear arrangements might be).

[0671] In addition to providing power to drive a wheel assembly, a motor 5502 may act as a braking mechanism for the wheel assembly. The board with the embedded microcontroller 5522 for the motor 5502 may include a pair of power-off relays. When power to the drive module 4912 is lost or turned off, the power-off relays may short the three motor phases of the motor 5502 together, thus increasing the internal resistance of the motor 5502. The increased resistance of the motor 5502 may be magnified by the flex spline cup 5610, preventing the robot 4908 from rolling down a wall in the event of a power loss.

[0672] There may be a variety of wheel assembly 5510 configurations, which may be provided in alternate embodiments, swapped by changing out the wheels, and/or swapped by changing out the drive modules 4912. FIG. 57A depicts an exploded view of a universal wheel 5702 and FIG. 57B depicts an assembled universal wheel 5702. The universal wheel 5702 may include wheel plates 5710, a hub 5712 for attaching the universal wheel 5702 to a driveshaft output shaft 5618 of a drive module 4912, and a magnet 5704 covered by a tire 5708. The magnet 5704, which may be a rare earth magnet, enables the robot 4908 to hold to an industrial surface being traversed. The universal wheel 5702 has two wheel plates 5710 which angle up and inward such that the wheel is stable riding on two different pipes (e.g., on the inner side and/or outer side of each pipe), or between two pipes (e.g., at the intersection of the pipes). The universal wheel 5702 in the example includes a tire 5708 which may be made of rubber, polyurethane over molding, or similar material to protect the magnet 5704 and to avoid damage or marring of the inspection surface. The universal wheel 5702 may additionally or alternatively include covering for the entire wheel 5702, such as a stretchable 3D printed tire 5708 that can be pulled over to cover the magnet 5704 or the entire wheel 5702. The spacing between the two wheel plates 5710 and their angle may be designed to fit with a specified inter-pipe spacing.

[0673] FIG. 58A depicts an exploded crown riding wheel 5802 and FIG. 58B depicts an assembled crown riding wheel 5802. The crown riding wheel 5802 may include wheel plates 5810, a hub 5812 for attaching the crown riding wheel 5802 to a drive module 4912, and a magnet 5804 covered by a magnet shield 5808 that protects the magnet from impacts or other damage. The magnet 5804 may be a rare earth magnet and enables the robot 4908 to hold to the inspection surface being traversed. The crown riding wheel 5802 has two wheel plates 5810 which angle up and outward such that the wheel is stable traversing (top riding) on a single pipe. The spacing between the two wheel plates 5810 and their angle may be designed to fit with a pipe having a specific outer dimension and/or pipes within a range of outer dimensions. In certain embodiments, the crown riding wheel 5802 may be covered at least partially with a covering to further protect the inspection surface from marring or damage.

[0674] FIG. 59A depicts a tank wheel 5902 and FIG. 59B depicts an assembled tank wheel 5902 (e.g., for riding inside or outside a tank, pipe, or other flat, concave, or convex surface). The tank wheel 5902 may include wheel plates 5910, a hub 5912 for attaching the tank wheel 5902 to a drive module 4912, and a magnet 5904 covered by a magnet shield 5908. The magnet 5904 may be a rare earth magnet and enables the robot 4908 to hold to an industrial surface being traversed. The tank wheel 5902 has two wheel plates 5910, one on each side of the magnet 5904 providing an approximately level surface that rides along an approximately flat surface, and/or that engages the interior curvature of a concave surface. The wheel plates 5910 may be covered with one or more over-moldings 5914. There may be an over-molding 5914 made of polyurethane, or the like, that covers at least a portion of a wheel plate 5910. There may also be a stretchable, 3D printed tire that covers the entire tank wheel 5902. The over-moldings 5914 may provide a sacrificial outer surface and provide a non-marring surface to prevent damage to the industrial surface being traversed by the robot.

[0675] A stability module, also referred to as a wheelie bar, may provide additional stability to a robot when the robot is moving vertically up an industrial surface. The wheelie bar 6000 may be mounted at the back (relative to an upward direction of travel) of a drive module or to both ends of a drive module. If the front wheel of a drive module encounters a nonferrous portion of the industrial surface or a large obstacle is encountered, the wheelie bar 6000 limits the ability of the robot to move away from the industrial surface beyond a certain angle, thus limiting the possibility of a backward roll-over by the robot. The wheelie bar 6000 may be designed to be easily attached and removed from the drive module connection points 6011. The strength of magnets in the drive wheels may be such that each wheel is capable of supporting the weight of the robot even if the other wheels lost contact with the surface. The wheels on the stability module may be magnetic helping the stability bar engage or “snap” into place when pushed into place by the actuator.

[0676] Referring to FIGS. 60-62. A stability module 6000 may attach to a drive module 4912 such that it is pulled behind or below the robot. FIG. 60 shows an exploded view of a stability module 6000 which may include a pair of wheels 6004, a stability body 6002, a connection bolt 6008 and two drive module connection points 6010, an actuator pin 6012, and two actuator connection points 6014. An actuator may couple with one of the actuator connection points 6014, and/or a given embodiment may have a pair of actuators, with one coupled to each actuator connection point 6014. There may be two drive module connection points 6010 which may be quickly aligned with corresponding stability module connection points 6011 located adjacent to each wheel module on the drive module and held together with the connection bolt 6008. The drive module may include a gas spring 6020, which may be common with the payload gas spring 6020 (e.g., providing for ease of reversibility of the drive module 4912 on either side of the inspection robot), although the gas spring 6020 for the stability module may have different characteristics and/or be a distinct actuator relative to the payload gas spring. The example stability module includes a connection pin 6012 for rapid coupling and/or decoupling of the gas spring. As shown in FIGS. 61A and 61B, the stability module may be attached, using stability module connection points, adjoining either of the wheel modules of the drive module. In certain embodiments, a stability module 6000 may be coupled to the rear position of the drive modules to assemble the inspection robot, and/or a stability module 6000 may be provided in both the front and back of the inspection robot (e.g., using separate and/or additional actuators from the payload actuators).

[0677] The strength of magnets in the drive wheels may be such that each wheel is capable of supporting the weight of the robot even if the other wheels lose contact with the surface. In certain embodiments, the wheels on the stability module may be magnetic, helping the stability module engage or “snap” into place upon receiving downward pressure from the gas spring or actuator. In certain embodiments, the stability module limits the rearward rotation of the inspection robot, for example if the front wheels of the inspection robot encounter a non-magnetic or dirty surface and lose contact. In certain embodiments, the stability module 6000 can return the front wheels to the inspection surface (e.g., by actuating and rotating the front of the inspection robot again toward the surface, which may be combined with backing the inspection robot onto a location of the inspection surface where the front wheels will again encounter a magnetic surface).

[0678] FIG. 62 depicts an alternate stability module 6200 including a stability body 6202 which does not have wheels but does have a similar connection bolt 6208 and two drive module connection points, and a similar actuator pin and two actuator connection points. Again, the stability module 6200 may have two drive module connection points 6010 which may be quickly aligned with corresponding stability module connection points 6011 located adjacent to each wheel module on the drive module and held together with the connection bolt 6208. The drive module may include a payload gas spring 6220 which may be connected to the stability module 6200 at one of two spring connection points with an actuator pin. The operations of stability module 6200 may otherwise be similar to the operations of the wheeled stability module 6000.

[0679] FIGS. 63-64 depict details of the suspension between the center body and a drive module. The center module 4910 may include a piston 6304 to enable adjustments to the distance between the center module 4910 and a drive module 4912 to accommodate the topography of a given industrial surface and facilitate the stability and maneuverability of the robot. The piston may be bolted to the drive module such that the piston does not rotate relative to the drive module. Within the piston, and protected by the piston from the elements, there may be a power and communication center module connector 5520 to which a drive module connector 6302 engages to provide for the transfer of power and data between the center module and a drive module. FIGS. 64 and 65 show the suspension 6400 collapsed (FIG. 64), having the drive module close to the center module, and extended (FIG. 65), having the drive module at a further distance from the center module.

[0680] The suspension 6400 may include a translation limiter 6402 that limits the translated positions of the piston, a rotation limiter 6404 which limits how far the center module may rotate relative to the drive module, and replaceable wear rings 6408 to reduce wear on the piston 6304 and the center module 4910 as they move relative to one another. The drive module may be spring biased to a central, no rotation, position, and/or may be biased to any other selected position (e.g., rotated at a selected angle). An example drive module-center body coupling includes a passive rotation that occurs as a result of variations in the surface being traversed.

[0681] FIG. 66A shows a fixed rotation limiter 6604 embodiment which prevents rotation between the center module and the drive module, and/or provides for minimal rotation between the center module and the drive module. FIG. 66B shows a wider angle rotation limiter 6606 embodiment, which provides for 20 degrees of rotation between the drive module 4912 and the center body. The selected rotation limit may be any value, including values greater than 20 degrees or less than 20 degrees. Each may connect a drive module 4912 to the piston in the center module with a tongue 6602 and slot 6608. The size of the slot 6608 relative to the tongue 6602 may allow for limited rotation between a drive module and the center module. In one non-limiting example, the rotation may be limited to +/−10 degrees rotation. However, the amount of rotation allowed may be more 20 degrees, less than 20 degrees, and/or the distribution of rotation may be non-symmetrical relative to a center. For example, the limited angle rotation limiter may be designed to allow +5 degrees of rotation and −15 degrees of rotation. In embodiments, one side of the center module may be connected to a drive module having a fixed rotation limiter 6604 while the other side of the center module is connected to the limited angle rotation limiter 6606 such that one drive module may have limited to no angular rotation relative to the center module while the other drive module has limited angle rotation to accommodate unevenness or obstacles in the surface while allowing the other wheel to maintain contact even if its underlying surface is not the same. The ability of the center module to rotate relative to a drive module facilitates the transition of the robot between surfaces with different orientations, such as horizontal to vertical or along a coutant slope of a tank. The rigidity of the center module with one of the drive modules may facilitate ease of transportation and initial positioning. In other embodiments, both drive modules may be connected with a limited angle rotation limiter 6606 such that both drive modules rotate relative to the center module.

[0682] The robot may have information regarding absolute and relative position. The drive module may include both contact and non-contact encoders to provide estimates of the distance travelled. In certain embodiments, absolute position may be provided through integration of various determinations, such as the ambient pressure and/or temperature in the region of the inspection robot, communications with positional elements (e.g., triangulation and/or GPS determination with routers or other available navigation elements), coordinated evaluation of the driven wheel encoders (which may slip) with the non-slip encoder assembly 6800, and/or by any other operations described throughout the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, an absolute position may be absolute in one sense (e.g., distance traversed from a beginning location or home position) but relative in another sense (e.g., relative to that beginning location).

[0683] There may be a contact encoder module 6800 positioned between the two drive wheels of a drive module. As shown in FIG. 68, the encoder module 6800 may include two over molded encoder wheels 6802 having a non-slip surface to ensure continuous monitoring of the industrial surface being inspected. An encoder wheel 6802 mounted on an encoder roller shaft 6812 may include an encoder magnet 6804 which creates a changing electro-magnetic field as the encoder wheel 6802 rolls along the industrial surface. This changing magnetic field may be measured by an encoder 6814 in close proximity to the encoder magnet 6804. Without limitation to any particular theory of operation, it has been found that the encoder assembly operates successfully without EMI shielding, which may be due to the close proximity, approximately a millimeter or less, of the encoder magnet 6804 to the encoder 6814 the contact encoder, and/or due to the symmetry of the magnetic fields from the wheels in the region of the encoder. The encoder module 6800 may include a spring mount 6808 having a sliding coupler and a spring 6810 that exerts a downward pressure on the encoder wheels 6802 to ensure contact with the industrial surface as the robot negotiates obstacles and angle transitions (e.g., reference the positions of the encoder assembly shown in FIGS. 54A-54B). There may be one or two encoder wheels positioned between the drive wheels, either side by side or in a linear orientation, and in certain embodiments a sensor may be associated with only one, or with both, encoder wheels. In certain embodiments, each of the drive modules 4912 may have a separate encoder assembly associated therewith, providing for the capability to determine rotational angles (e.g., as a failure condition where linear motion is expected, and/or to enable two-dimensional traversal on a surface such as a tank or pipe interior), differential slip between drive modules 4912, and the like.

[0684] A drive module (FIG. 55) may include a hall effect sensor in each of the motors 5502 as part of non-contact encoder for measuring the rotation of each motor as it drives the associated wheel assembly 5510. There may be shielding 5508 (e.g., a conductive material such as steel) to prevent unintended EMI noise from a magnet in the wheel inducing false readings in the hall effect sensor.

[0685] Data from the encoder assembly 6800 encoder and the driven wheel encoder (e.g., the motion and/or position sensor associated with the drive motor for the magnetic wheels) provide an example basis for deriving additional information, such as whether a wheel is slipping by comparing the encoder assembly readings (which should reliably show movement only when actual movement is occurring) to those of the driven wheel encoders on the same drive module. If the encoder assembly shows limited or no motion while the driven wheel encoder(s) show motion, drive wheels slipping may be indicated. Data from the encoder assembly and the driven wheel encoders may provide a basis for deriving additional information such as whether the robot is travelling in a straight line, as indicated by similar encoder values between corresponding encoders in each of the two drive modules on either side of the robot. If the encoders on one of the drive modules indicate little or no motion while the encoders of the other drive module show motion, a turning of the inspection robot toward the side with limited movement may be indicated.

[0686] The base station may include a GPS module or other facility for recognizing the position of the base station in a plant. The encoders on the drive module provide both absolute (relative to the robot) and relative information regarding movement of the robot over time. The combination of data regarding an absolute position of the base station and the relative movement of the robot may be used to ensure complete plant inspection and the ability to correlate location with inspection map.

[0687] The central module (FIG. 51) may have a camera 5104 that may be used for navigation and obstacle detection, and/or may include both a front and rear camera 5104 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 51). A video feed from a forward facing camera (relative to the direction of travel) may be communicated to the base station to assist an operator in obstacle identification, navigation, and the like. The video feed may switch between cameras with a change in direction, and/or an operator may be able to selectively switch between the two camera feeds. Additionally or alternatively, both cameras may be utilized at the same time (e.g., provided to separate screens, and/or saved for later retrieval). The video and the sensor readings may be synchronized such that, for example: an operator (or display utility) reviewing the data would be able to have (or provide) a coordinated visual of the inspection surface in addition to the sensor measurements to assist in evaluating the data; to provide repairs, mark repair locations, and/or confirm repairs; and/or to provide cleaning operations and/or confirm cleaning operations. The video camera feeds may also be used for obstacle detection and path planning, and/or coordinated with the encoder data, other position data, and/or motor torque data for obstacle detection, path planning, and/or obstacle clearance operations.

[0688] Referring to FIG. 69, a drive module (and/or the center body) may include one or more payload mount assemblies 6900. The payload mount assembly 6900 may include a rail mounting block 6902 with a wear resistant sleeve 6904 and a rail actuator connector 6912. Once a rail of the payload is slid into position, a dovetail clamping block 6906 may be screwed down with a thumbscrew 6910 to hold the rail in place with a cam-lock clamping handle 6908. The wear resistant sleeve 6904 may be made of Polyoxymethylene (POM), a low friction, strong, high stiffness material such as Delrin, Celecon, Ramtal, Duracon, and the like. The wear resistant sleeve 6904 allows the sensor to easily slide laterally within the rail mounting block 6902. The geometry of the dovetail clamping block 6906 limits lateral movement of the rail once it is clamped in place. However, when unclamped, it is easy to slide the rail off to change the rail. In another embodiment, the rail mounting block may allow for open jawed, full rail coupling allowing the rail to be rapidly attached and detached without the need for sliding into position.

[0689] Referring to FIGS. 70 and 71A-C, an example of a rail 7000 is seen with a plurality of sensor carriages 7004 attached and an inspection camera 7002 attached. As shown in FIG. 71A, the inspection camera 7002 may be aimed downward (e.g., at 38 degrees) such that it captures an image of the inspection surface that can be coordinated with sensor measurements. The inspection video captured may be synchronized with the sensor data and/or with the video captured by the navigation cameras on the center module. The inspection camera 7002 may have a wide field of view such that the image captured spans the width of the payload and the surface measured by all of the sensor carriages 7004 on the rail 7000.

[0690] The length of the rail may be designed to according to the width of sensor coverage to be provided in a single pass of the inspection robot, the size and number of sensor carriages, the total weight limit of the inspection robot, the communication capability of the inspection robot with the base station (or other communicated device), the deliverability of couplant to the inspection robot, the physical constraints (weight, deflection, etc.) of the rail and/or the clamping block, and/or any other relevant criteria. A rail may include one or more sensor carriage clamps 7200 having joints with several degrees of freedom for movement to allow the robot to continue even if one or more sensor carriages encounter unsurmountable obstacles (e.g., the entire payload can be raised, the sensor carriage can articulate vertically and raise over the obstacle, and/or the sensor carriage can rotate and traverse around the obstacle).

[0691] The rail actuator connector 6912 may be connected to a rail (payload) actuator 5518 (FIG. 55) which is able to provide a configurable down-force on the rail 7000 and the attached sensor carriages 7004 to assure contact and/or desired engagement angle with the inspection surface. The payload actuator 5518 may facilitate engaging and disengaging the rail 7000 (and associated sensor carriages 7004) from the inspection surface to facilitate obstacle avoidance, angle transitions, engagement angle, and the like. Rail actuators 5518 may operate independently of one another. Thus, rail engagement angle may vary between drive modules on either side of the center module, between front and back rails on the same drive module, and the like.

[0692] Referring to FIGS. 72A-72C, a sensor clamp 7200 may allow sensor carriages 7004 to be easily added individually to the rail (payload) 7000 without disturbing other sensor carriages 7004. A simple sensor set screw 7202 tightens the sensor clamp edges 7204 of the sensor clamp 7200 over the rail. In the example of FIGS. 72A-72C, a sled carriage mount 7206 provides a rotational degree of freedom for movement.

[0693] FIG. 73 depicts a multi-sensor sled carriage 7004, 7300. The embodiment of FIG. 73 depicts multiple sleds arranged on a sled carriage, but any features of a sled, sled arm, and/or payload described throughout the present disclosure may otherwise be present in addition to, or as alternatives to, one or more features of the multi-sensor sled carriage 7004, 7300. The multi-sensor sled carriage 7300 may include a multiple sled assembly, each sled 7302 having a sled spring 7304 at the front and back (relative to direction of travel) to enable the sled 7302 to tilt or move in and out to accommodate the contour of the inspection surface, traverse obstacles, and the like. The multi-sensor sled carriage 7300 may include multiple power/data connectors 7306, one running to each sensor sled 7302, to power the sensor and transfer acquired data back to the robot. Depending on the sensor type, the multi-sensor sled carriage 7300 may include multiple couplant lines 7308 providing couplant to each sensor sled 7302 requiring couplant.

[0694] Referring to FIGS. 74A-74B, in a top perspective depiction, two multiple-sensor sled assemblies 7400 of different widths are shown, as indicated by the width label 7402. A multiple sled assembly may include multiple sleds 7302. Acoustic sleds may include a couplant port 7404 for receiving couplant from the robot. Each sled may have a sensor opening 7406 to accommodate a sensor and engage a power/data connector 7306. A multiple-sensor sled assembly width may be selected to accommodate the inspection surface to be traversed such as pipe outer diameter, anticipated obstacle size, desired inspection resolution, a desired number of contact points (e.g., three contact points ensuring self-alignment of the sled carriage and sleds), and the like. As shown in FIG. 75, an edge-on depiction of a multiple-sensor sled assembly, the sled spring 7304 may allow independent radial movement of each sled to self-align with the inspection surface. The rotational spacing 7502 (tracing a circumference on an arc) between sleds may be fixed or may be adjustable.

[0695] Referring to FIGS. 76A-76D, a sled may include a sensor housing 7610 having a groove 7604. A replaceable engagement surface 7602 may include one or more hooks 7608 which interact with the groove 7604 to snap the replaceable engagement surface 7602 to the sensor housing 7610. The sensor housing 7610, a cross section of which is shown in FIG. 77, may be a single machined part which may include an integral couplant channel 7702, in some embodiments this is a water line, and an integrated cone assembly 7704 to allow couplant to flow from the couplant connector 7308 down to the inspection surface. There may be a couplant plug 7706 to prevent the couplant from flowing out of a machining hole 7708 rather than down through the integral cone assembly 7704 to the inspection surface. The front and back surface of the sled may be angled at approximately 40° to provide the ability of the sled to surmount obstacles on the navigation surface. If the angle is too shallow, the size of obstacle the sled is able to surmount is small. If the angle is too steep, the sled may be more prone to jamming into obstacles rather than surmounting the obstacles. The angle may be selected according to the size and type of obstacles that will be encountered, the available contingencies for obstacle traversal (degrees of freedom and amount of motion available, actuators available, alternate routes available, etc.), and/or the desired inspection coverage and availability to avoid obstacles.

[0696] In addition to structural integrity and machinability, the material used for the sensor housing 7610 may be selected based on acoustical characteristics (such as absorbing rather than scattering acoustic signals, harmonics, and the like), hydrophobic properties (waterproof), and the ability to act as an electrical insulator to eliminate a connection between the sensor housing and the chassis ground, and the like such that the sensor housing may be suitable for a variety of sensors including EMI sensors. A PEI plastic such as ULTEM® 1000 (unreinforced amorphous thermoplastic polyetherimide) may be used for the sensor housing 7610.

[0697] In embodiments, a sensor carriage may comprise a universal single sled sensor assembly 7800 as shown in FIGS. 78-80B. The universal single sled sensor assembly 7800 may include a single sensor housing 7802 having sled springs 7804 at the front and back (relative to direction of travel) to enable the sled 7802 to tilt or move in and out to accommodate the contour of the inspection surface, traverse obstacles, and the like. The universal single sled sensor assembly 7800 may have a power/data connector 7806 to power the sensor and transfer acquired data back to the robot. The universal single sled sensor assembly 7800 may include multiple couplant lines 7808 attached to a multi-port sled couplant distributor 7810. Unused couplant ports 7812 may be connected to one another to simply reroute couplant back into a couplant system.

[0698] Referring to FIG. 79, a universal single-sensor assembly may include extendable stability “wings” 7902 located on either side of the sensor housing 7802 which may be expanded or contracted (See FIGS. 80A-80B) depending on the inspection surface. In an illustrative and non-limiting example, the stability “wings” may be expanded to accommodate an inspection surface such as a pipe with a larger outer dimension. The stability “wings” together with the sensor housing 7802 provide three points of contact between the single-sensor assembly 7800 and the inspection surface, thereby improving the stability of the single sensor assembly 7800. In certain embodiments, the stability wings also provide rapid access to the replaceable/wearable contact surface for rapid changes and/or repair of a sled contact surface.

[0699] In embodiments, identification of a sensor and its location on a rail and relative to the center module may be made in real-time during a pre-processing/calibration process immediately prior to an inspection run, and/or during an inspection run (e.g., by stopping the inspection robot and performing a calibration). Identification may be based on a sensor ID provided by an individual sensor, visual inspection by the operator or by image processing of video feeds from navigation and inspection cameras, and user input include including specifying the location on the robot and where it is plugged in. In certain embodiments, identification may be automated, for example by powering each sensor separately and determining which sensor is providing a signal.

[0700] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 81A, a sensor may be initially calibrated by measuring a thin standard 8102 and a thick standard 8104 (e.g., a thick and thin standard for the type of surface, pipe, etc. being measured), and matching the sensor being calibrated with the matching thick and thin channel measurements resulting in matching channels 8114 having thick and thin channels that map to a specific sensor or sensor type. In certain embodiments, sensor measurements (e.g., return times, as described elsewhere in the present disclosure) may be matched by interpolation between the thin standard 8102 and the thick standard 8104. In certain embodiments, depending upon the material response and the desired measurement accuracy, measurements may be extrapolated outside of the thin standard 8102 and the thick standard 8104. Additionally or alternatively, a single standard may be utilized in certain embodiments, with measurement comparisons to the standard to provide the measured thickness value of the inspection surface.

[0701] As shown in FIG. 81B, a calibration block may include both a thick standard 8104 and a thin standard 8102, each standard 8102 8104 having precisely known thicknesses. Measurements may be made of each standard 8102 8104, resulting in thin channels of data 8106 and thick channels of data 8110. The sensor identification and calibration module 8112 compares the incoming thin and thick channels 8106 8108 with a plurality of matching channel data 8114, and, once matches for both the thin channel of data 8106 and the thick channel of data 8110 are found in a single matching channel, the sensor identification and calibration module 8112 pairs the sensor definition with the data coming in from that sensor. The thin and thick channel data may be compared with data expected from standards of the specified thickness and an offset calibration map may be developed that may be applied to data obtained by the given sensor during an inspection run post calibration. There may be different calibration blocks based on different inspection surface characteristics such as outer diameter of pipes to be inspected, material making up inspection surface (different materials having different acoustic properties), type of inspection surface (e.g., pipes, tank, nominal thicknesses of the target surface), and the like. Having offsets for different thickness may enable the system to interpolate a needed offset for intervening thickness values, and may improve the accuracy of the measurements. This resulting in mapping received data channels to sensors as well as calibration maps for mapping correcting offsets in the data received from the mapped sensor. Sensors may be identified according to the response of the sensor, where the match is determined from the sensor return for the known thickness value for a particular channel, then the sensor can be identified for that data channel.

[0702] In order to safely manufacture the wheels using a high strength magnet, a wheel assembly machine (“WAM”) may be used to assemble the wheel while providing increased safety for a worker assembling the wheel. FIGS. 82 and 83 depict a wheel assembly machine and a cross section of the wheel assembly machine 8300. The wheel assembly machine 8300 may include a motor assembly 8302, a shaft coupler 8303, a drum assembly 8304, a fixture assembly 8308, and an alignment shaft 8310. The fixture assembly 8308 may include an actuated flange 8314 with pins 8316, a limit switch 8317 and a ball screw and nut 8318. The motor 8302 may allow the pins 8316 to be raised and lowered, moving the magnet toward or away from the wheel plate, and further avoiding a pinch hazard between the magnet and the wheel plate.

[0703] FIG. 84A depicts the pins 8316 extending through a wheel plate 8402 positioned on the alignment shaft 8310. A magnet 8404 may be placed on the alignment shaft 8310 such that it rests on the pins 8316. The pins 8316 may then be lowered (FIG. 84B) resulting in the magnet 8404 being correctly paired with one of the two wheel plates 8402. The second wheel plate may be lowered onto the alignment shaft 8310 where it can be dropped onto the already assembled wheel plate 8402 and magnet 8404. To disassemble the wheel, the pins 8316 may be extended, pushing the magnet 8404 off the lower wheel plate 8402 and the upper wheel plate 8402 off of the alignment shaft 8310.

[0704] An example procedure for detecting and/or traversing obstacles is described following. An example procedure includes evaluating at least one of: a wheel slippage determination value, a motor torque value, and a visual inspection value (e.g., through the camera, by an operator or controller detecting an obstacle directly and/or verifying motion). The example procedure further includes determining that an obstacle is present in response to the determinations. In certain embodiments, one or more determinations are utilized to determine that an obstacle may be present (e.g., a rapid and/or low-cost determination, such as the wheel slippage determination value and/or the motor torque value), and another determination is utilized to confirm the obstacle is present and/or to confirm the location of the obstacle (e.g., the visual inspection value and/or the wheel slippage determination value, which may be utilized to identify the specific obstacle and/or confirm which side of the inspection robot has the obstacle). In certain embodiments, one or more obstacle avoidance maneuvers may be performed, which may be scheduled in an order of cost, risk, and/or likelihood of success, including such operations as: raising the payload, facilitating a movement of the sensor carriage around the obstacle, reducing and/or manipulating a down force of the payload and/or of a sensor carriage, moving the inspection robot around and/or to avoid the obstacle, and/or changing the inspection run trajectory of the inspection robot.

[0705] FIG. 85 depicts a schematic block diagram of a control scheme for an inspection robot. The example control scheme includes distributed control, with a high level controller (e.g., the brain/gateway, and/or with distributed elements in the base station) providing standardized commands and communications to highly capable low-level controllers that provide hardware specific responses. Various communication and/or power paths are depicted between controllers in the example of FIG. 85, although specific communication protocols, electrical power characteristics, and the like are non-limiting examples for clarity of the present description. In the example of FIG. 85, two separate drive modules may be present in certain embodiments, each having an interface to the center body. In the example of FIG. 85, the sensor module includes the inspection cameras and sensor communications, and may be on the payload and/or associated with the payload (e.g., on the center body side and in communication with sensors of the payload).

[0706] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through a machine having a computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server that executes computer readable instructions, program codes, instructions, and/or includes hardware configured to functionally execute one or more operations of the methods and systems disclosed herein. The terms computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server, as utilized herein, should be understood broadly.

[0707] Any one or more of the terms computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server include a computer of any type, capable to access instructions stored in communication thereto such as upon a non-transient computer readable medium, whereupon the computer performs operations of systems or methods described herein upon executing the instructions. In certain embodiments, such instructions themselves comprise a computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server. Additionally or alternatively, a computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server may be a separate hardware device, one or more computing resources distributed across hardware devices, and/or may include such aspects as logical circuits, embedded circuits, sensors, actuators, input and/or output devices, network and/or communication resources, memory resources of any type, processing resources of any type, and/or hardware devices configured to be responsive to determined conditions to functionally execute one or more operations of systems and methods herein.

[0708] Network and/or communication resources include, without limitation, local area network, wide area network, wireless, internet, or any other known communication resources and protocols. Example and non-limiting hardware, computers, computing devices, processors, circuits, and/or servers include, without limitation, a general purpose computer, a server, an embedded computer, a mobile device, a virtual machine, and/or an emulated version of one or more of these. Example and non-limiting hardware, computers, computing devices, processors, circuits, and/or servers may be physical, logical, or virtual. A computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server may be: a distributed resource included as an aspect of several devices; and/or included as an interoperable set of resources to perform described functions of the computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server, such that the distributed resources function together to perform the operations of the computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server. In certain embodiments, each computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server may be on separate hardware, and/or one or more hardware devices may include aspects of more than one computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server, for example as separately executable instructions stored on the hardware device, and/or as logically partitioned aspects of a set of executable instructions, with some aspects of the hardware device comprising a part of a first computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server, and some aspects of the hardware device comprising a part of a second computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server.

[0709] A computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server may be part of a server, client, network infrastructure, mobile computing platform, stationary computing platform, or other computing platform. A processor may be any kind of computational or processing device capable of executing program instructions, codes, binary instructions and the like. The processor may be or include a signal processor, digital processor, embedded processor, microprocessor, or any variant such as a co-processor (math co-processor, graphic co-processor, communication co-processor and the like) and the like that may directly or indirectly facilitate execution of program code or program instructions stored thereon. In addition, the processor may enable execution of multiple programs, threads, and codes. The threads may be executed simultaneously to enhance the performance of the processor and to facilitate simultaneous operations of the application. By way of implementation, methods, program codes, program instructions and the like described herein may be implemented in one or more threads. The thread may spawn other threads that may have assigned priorities associated with them; the processor may execute these threads based on priority or any other order based on instructions provided in the program code. The processor may include memory that stores methods, codes, instructions and programs as described herein and elsewhere. The processor may access a storage medium through an interface that may store methods, codes, and instructions as described herein and elsewhere. The storage medium associated with the processor for storing methods, programs, codes, program instructions or other type of instructions capable of being executed by the computing or processing device may include but may not be limited to one or more of a CD-ROM, DVD, memory, hard disk, flash drive, RAM, ROM, cache, and the like.

[0710] A processor may include one or more cores that may enhance speed and performance of a multiprocessor. In embodiments, the process may be a dual core processor, quad core processors, other chip-level multiprocessor and the like that combine two or more independent cores (called a die).

[0711] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through a machine that executes computer readable instructions on a server, client, firewall, gateway, hub, router, or other such computer and/or networking hardware. The computer readable instructions may be associated with a server that may include a file server, print server, domain server, internet server, intranet server and other variants such as secondary server, host server, distributed server, and the like. The server may include one or more of memories, processors, computer readable transitory and/or non-transitory media, storage media, ports (physical and virtual), communication devices, and interfaces capable of accessing other servers, clients, machines, and devices through a wired or a wireless medium, and the like. The methods, programs, or codes as described herein and elsewhere may be executed by the server. In addition, other devices required for execution of methods as described in this application may be considered as a part of the infrastructure associated with the server.

[0712] The server may provide an interface to other devices including, without limitation, clients, other servers, printers, database servers, print servers, file servers, communication servers, distributed servers, and the like. Additionally, this coupling and/or connection may facilitate remote execution of instructions across the network. The networking of some or all of these devices may facilitate parallel processing of program code, instructions, and/or programs at one or more locations without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, all the devices attached to the server through an interface may include at least one storage medium capable of storing methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs. A central repository may provide program instructions to be executed on different devices. In this implementation, the remote repository may act as a storage medium for methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs.

[0713] The methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs may be associated with a client that may include a file client, print client, domain client, internet client, intranet client and other variants such as secondary client, host client, distributed client, and the like. The client may include one or more of memories, processors, computer readable transitory and/or non-transitory media, storage media, ports (physical and virtual), communication devices, and interfaces capable of accessing other clients, servers, machines, and devices through a wired or a wireless medium, and the like. The methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs as described herein and elsewhere may be executed by the client. In addition, other devices utilized for execution of methods as described in this application may be considered as a part of the infrastructure associated with the client.

[0714] The client may provide an interface to other devices including, without limitation, servers, other clients, printers, database servers, print servers, file servers, communication servers, distributed servers, and the like. Additionally, this coupling and/or connection may facilitate remote execution of methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs across the network. The networking of some or all of these devices may facilitate parallel processing of methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs at one or more locations without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, all the devices attached to the client through an interface may include at least one storage medium capable of storing methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs. A central repository may provide program instructions to be executed on different devices. In this implementation, the remote repository may act as a storage medium for methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs.

[0715] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through network infrastructures. The network infrastructure may include elements such as computing devices, servers, routers, hubs, firewalls, clients, personal computers, communication devices, routing devices and other active and passive devices, modules, and/or components as known in the art. The computing and/or non-computing device(s) associated with the network infrastructure may include, apart from other components, a storage medium such as flash memory, buffer, stack, RAM, ROM, and the like. The methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs described herein and elsewhere may be executed by one or more of the network infrastructural elements.

[0716] The methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs described herein and elsewhere may be implemented on a cellular network having multiple cells. The cellular network may either be frequency division multiple access (FDMA) network or code division multiple access (CDMA) network. The cellular network may include mobile devices, cell sites, base stations, repeaters, antennas, towers, and the like.

[0717] The methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs described herein and elsewhere may be implemented on or through mobile devices. The mobile devices may include navigation devices, cell phones, mobile phones, mobile personal digital assistants, laptops, palmtops, netbooks, pagers, electronic books readers, music players, and the like. These mobile devices may include, apart from other components, a storage medium such as a flash memory, buffer, RAM, ROM and one or more computing devices. The computing devices associated with mobile devices may be enabled to execute methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs stored thereon. Alternatively, the mobile devices may be configured to execute instructions in collaboration with other devices. The mobile devices may communicate with base stations interfaced with servers and configured to execute methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs. The mobile devices may communicate on a peer to peer network, mesh network, or other communications network. The methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs may be stored on the storage medium associated with the server and executed by a computing device embedded within the server. The base station may include a computing device and a storage medium. The storage device may store methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs executed by the computing devices associated with the base station.

[0718] The methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs may be stored and/or accessed on machine readable transitory and/or non-transitory media that may include: computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time; semiconductor storage known as random access memory (RAM); mass storage typically for more permanent storage, such as optical discs, forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, tapes, drums, cards and other types; processor registers, cache memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory; optical storage such as CD, DVD; removable media such as flash memory (e.g., USB sticks or keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punch cards, standalone RAM disks, Zip drives, removable mass storage, off-line, and the like; other computer memory such as dynamic memory, static memory, read/write storage, mutable storage, read only, random access, sequential access, location addressable, file addressable, content addressable, network attached storage, storage area network, bar codes, magnetic ink, and the like.

[0719] Certain operations described herein include interpreting, receiving, and/or determining one or more values, parameters, inputs, data, or other information. Operations including interpreting, receiving, and/or determining any value parameter, input, data, and/or other information include, without limitation: receiving data via a user input; receiving data over a network of any type; reading a data value from a memory location in communication with the receiving device; utilizing a default value as a received data value; estimating, calculating, or deriving a data value based on other information available to the receiving device; and/or updating any of these in response to a later received data value. In certain embodiments, a data value may be received by a first operation, and later updated by a second operation, as part of the receiving a data value. For example, when communications are down, intermittent, or interrupted, a first operation to interpret, receive, and/or determine a data value may be performed, and when communications are restored an updated operation to interpret, receive, and/or determine the data value may be performed.

[0720] Certain logical groupings of operations herein, for example methods or procedures of the current disclosure, are provided to illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. Operations described herein are schematically described and/or depicted, and operations may be combined, divided, re-ordered, added, or removed in a manner consistent with the disclosure herein. It is understood that the context of an operational description may require an ordering for one or more operations, and/or an order for one or more operations may be explicitly disclosed, but the order of operations should be understood broadly, where any equivalent grouping of operations to provide an equivalent outcome of operations is specifically contemplated herein. For example, if a value is used in one operational step, the determining of the value may be required before that operational step in certain contexts (e.g. where the time delay of data for an operation to achieve a certain effect is important), but may not be required before that operation step in other contexts (e.g. where usage of the value from a previous execution cycle of the operations would be sufficient for those purposes). Accordingly, in certain embodiments an order of operations and grouping of operations as described is explicitly contemplated herein, and in certain embodiments re-ordering, subdivision, and/or different grouping of operations is explicitly contemplated herein.

[0721] The methods and systems described herein may transform physical and/or or intangible items from one state to another. The methods and systems described herein may also transform data representing physical and/or intangible items from one state to another.

[0722] The elements described and depicted herein, including in flow charts, block diagrams, and/or operational descriptions, depict and/or describe specific example arrangements of elements for purposes of illustration. However, the depicted and/or described elements, the functions thereof, and/or arrangements of these, may be implemented on machines, such as through computer executable transitory and/or non-transitory media having a processor capable of executing program instructions stored thereon, and/or as logical circuits or hardware arrangements. Example arrangements of programming instructions include at least: monolithic structure of instructions; standalone modules of instructions for elements or portions thereof; and/or as modules of instructions that employ external routines, code, services, and so forth; and/or any combination of these, and all such implementations are contemplated to be within the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure Examples of such machines include, without limitation, personal digital assistants, laptops, personal computers, mobile phones, other handheld computing devices, medical equipment, wired or wireless communication devices, transducers, chips, calculators, satellites, tablet PCs, electronic books, gadgets, electronic devices, devices having artificial intelligence, computing devices, networking equipment, servers, routers and the like. Furthermore, the elements described and/or depicted herein, and/or any other logical components, may be implemented on a machine capable of executing program instructions. Thus, while the foregoing flow charts, block diagrams, and/or operational descriptions set forth functional aspects of the disclosed systems, any arrangement of program instructions implementing these functional aspects are contemplated herein. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the various steps identified and described above may be varied, and that the order of steps may be adapted to particular applications of the techniques disclosed herein. Additionally, any steps or operations may be divided and/or combined in any manner providing similar functionality to the described operations. All such variations and modifications are contemplated in the present disclosure. The methods and/or processes described above, and steps thereof, may be implemented in hardware, program code, instructions, and/or programs or any combination of hardware and methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs suitable for a particular application. Example hardware includes a dedicated computing device or specific computing device, a particular aspect or component of a specific computing device, and/or an arrangement of hardware components and/or logical circuits to perform one or more of the operations of a method and/or system. The processes may be implemented in one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors or other programmable device, along with internal and/or external memory. The processes may also, or instead, be embodied in an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable gate array, programmable array logic, or any other device or combination of devices that may be configured to process electronic signals. It will further be appreciated that one or more of the processes may be realized as a computer executable code capable of being executed on a machine readable medium.

[0723] The computer executable code may be created using a structured programming language such as C, an object oriented programming language such as C++, or any other high-level or low-level programming language (including assembly languages, hardware description languages, and database programming languages and technologies) that may be stored, compiled or interpreted to run on one of the above devices, as well as heterogeneous combinations of processors, processor architectures, or combinations of different hardware and computer readable instructions, or any other machine capable of executing program instructions.

[0724] Thus, in one aspect, each method described above and combinations thereof may be embodied in computer executable code that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the steps thereof. In another aspect, the methods may be embodied in systems that perform the steps thereof, and may be distributed across devices in a number of ways, or all of the functionality may be integrated into a dedicated, standalone device or other hardware. In another aspect, the means for performing the steps associated with the processes described above may include any of the hardware and/or computer readable instructions described above. All such permutations and combinations are contemplated in embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0725] Referencing FIG. 86, an example system for operating an inspection robot having a distributed microcontroller assembly is depicted, the distributed microcontroller assembly supporting modular control operations, and allowing for rapid prototyping, testing, reconfiguration of the inspection robot, and swapping of hardware components without requiring changes to the primary inspection control functions of the inspection robot.

[0726] The example system includes an inspection controller circuit 8602 that operates an inspection robot using a first command set 8604. In certain embodiments, the first command set 8604 includes high-level inspection control commands, such as robot positioning and/or movement instructions, instructions to perform sensing operations and/or actuator operations, and may further include instructions using standardized parameters, state values, and the like that are separated from low-level instructions that might be configured for the specific characteristics of hardware components of the inspection robot. For example, an actuator may be responsive to specific voltage values, position instructions, or the like, where the example first command set includes instructions such as whether the actuator should be activated, a down force to be applied by the actuator, a position target value of an actuated component such as a payload or stability assist device, and/or a state value such as “inspecting”, “stability assist stored”, “stability assist deployed”, “payload raised”, etc.

[0727] The example system includes a hardware interface 8606 in communication with the inspection controller circuit 8704, where the hardware interface utilizes the first command set 8604. The example system further includes a first hardware component 8608 that is operatively couplable to the hardware interface 8606, and a second hardware component 8614 that is couplable to the hardware interface 8606. The hardware components 8608, 8614 may include sensors, actuators, payloads, and/or any other device that, when coupled to the inspection robot, communicates and/or is controlled by the inspection robot during inspection operations. In certain embodiments, one or more of the hardware components 8608, 8614 includes a painting device, an actuator, a camera, a welding device, a marking device, and/or a cleaning device. The example first hardware component 8608 includes a first response map 8610, which may include a description of sensor response values (e.g., voltages, frequency values, current values, or the like) provided by the hardware component 8608 and corresponding values used by the inspection robot, such as the represented sensed values (e.g., temperature, UT return time, wall thickness indicated, etc.). Another example first response map 8610 may include a description of actuation command values provided by the inspection robot corresponding to actuator responses for the values. For example, actuation command values may be an actuator position value, where the actuator responses may be voltage values, current values, or the like provided to the actuator. The example second hardware component 8614 including a second response map 8616. In certain embodiments, the first response map 8610 is distinct from the second response map 8616.

[0728] In certain embodiments, the actuation command values and/or the represented sensed values are more specific to the hardware component than parameters utilized in the first command set 8604. In certain embodiments, as described following, an interface controller 8628 and/or a low level hardware control circuit (e.g., sensor control circuit 8620) may be present and interposed between the hardware component and the inspection controller circuit 8602. Intermediate controllers or control circuits may be positioned on either side of the hardware interface 8606, and may further be positioned on the respective hardware controller.

[0729] The system includes the inspection controller circuit 8602 controlling the first hardware component 8608 or the second hardware component 8614 utilizing the first command set 8604. The system having the first hardware component 8608 coupled to the hardware interface 8606 has a first inspection capability 8612, and the system having the second hardware component 8614 coupled to the hardware interface 8606 has a second inspection capability 8618. In certain embodiments, the first inspection capability 8612 is distinct from the second inspection capability 8618, such as distinct inspection and/or sensing capabilities, and/or distinct actuation capabilities. The first hardware component 8608 and/or the second hardware component 8614 may include more than one sensor (e.g., a group of sensors having a single interface to the hardware interface 8606), more than one actuator (e.g., a drive module having a drive actuator and a payload actuator), or combinations of these (e.g., a drive module or payload having at least one sensor and at least one actuator).

[0730] An example system includes at least one of the hardware components 8608, 8614 including a sensor (depicted as the first hardware component 8608 in the example of FIG. 86), and a sensor control circuit 8620 that converts a sensor response 8622 to a sensed parameter value 8626. The example sensor control circuit 8620 is depicted as positioned on the hardware component, and as interposed between the hardware interface 8606 and the inspection controller circuit 8602, although the sensor control circuit 8620 may be positioned in only one of these locations for a given embodiment. The example sensor control circuit 8620 utilizes an A/D converter instruction set 8624 to convert the sensor response 8622. In certain embodiments, the sensor control circuit 8620 performs one or more operations such as debouncing, noise removal, filtering, saturation management, slew rate management, hysteresis operations, and/or diagnostic processing on the sensor response 8622 to determine the sensed parameter value 8626. In certain embodiments, the sensor control circuit 8620 additionally or alternatively interprets the sensor response 8622 by converting the sensor response 8622 from sensor provided units (e.g., voltage, bits, frequency values, etc.) to the sensed parameter value 8626. In certain embodiments, for example where the sensor is a smart sensor or a high capability sensor, the sensor may be configured to provide the sensed parameter value 8626 directly, and/or the sensor control circuit 8620 may be positioned on the sensor to provide the sensed parameter value 8626.

[0731] In certain embodiments, the inspection controller circuit 8602 utilizes the sensed parameter value 8626. The sensed parameter value 8626 may be communicated to the inspection controller circuit 8602 from the sensor control circuit 8620, for example where the interface controller 8628 receives the sensor response 8622, and the sensor control circuit 8620 is interposed between the hardware interface 8606 and the inspection controller circuit 8602. In certain embodiments, the sensed parameter value 8626 may be communicated to the inspection controller circuit 8602 from the interface controller 8628, for example where the interface controller 8628 receives the sensed parameter value 8626 from the sensor control circuit 8620 interposed between the hardware interface 8606 and the sensor.

[0732] An example interface controller 8628 interprets the sensor response 8622 utilizing a calibration map 8630. For example, the calibration map 8630 may include interface information between the first command set 8604 and responses and/or commands from/to the respective hardware component 8608, 8614. In certain embodiments, when a hardware component coupled to the hardware interface 8606 is changed, the interface controller updates the calibration map 8630, for example selecting an applicable calibration map 8630 from a number of available calibration maps 8630, and/or receiving an update (e.g., a new calibration, and/or updated firmware for the interface controller 8628) to provide the updated calibration map 8630. In certain embodiments, the hardware component provides an identifier, such as part number, build number, component type information, or the like, and the interface controller 8628 selects a calibration map 8630 in response to the identifier of the hardware component.

[0733] Referencing FIG. 87, an example inspection robot for performing inspection operations having a distributed microcontroller assembly is depicted, the distributed microcontroller assembly supporting modular control operations, and allowing for rapid prototyping, testing, reconfiguration of the inspection robot, and swapping of hardware components without requiring changes to the primary inspection control functions of the inspection robot. The inspection robot includes a robot body 8702 including an inspection coordination controller 8704 that controls a first inspection utilizing a first command set 8604. The inspection robot includes a hardware interface 8606 in communication with the inspection coordination controller 8704, a first sensor 8706 operatively couplable to the hardware interface 8606, where the first sensor has a first response map 8610, and a second sensor 8708 operatively couplable to the hardware interface 8606, where the second sensor 8708 has a second response map 8616. In certain embodiments, the second response map 8616 is distinct from the first response map 8610. The inspection coordination controller 8704 further controls, using the first command set 8604, the first sensor 8706 or the second sensor 8708.

[0734] In certain embodiments, the first sensor 8706 and second sensor 8708 are swappable, such as where either the first sensor 8706 or the second sensor 8708 can be coupled to the hardware interface 8606, and the inspection coordination controller 8704 can continue to control inspection operations without a change to the first command set 8604. In certain embodiments, the swappable first sensor 8706 or the second sensor 8708 indicates that a same functionality of the inspection robot is available, even where the sensor responses 8622, 8710 are distinct (e.g., the sensors have a same type, can fulfill a same function, and/or they can be utilized with other components of the inspection robot to provide a same function).

[0735] An example inspection robot includes a sensor control circuit 8620 included on the first sensor 8706 and/or the second sensor 8708 (the first sensor 8706 in the example of FIG. 87) that converts the sensor response 8622 to a sensed parameter value 8626. In certain embodiments, the sensor control circuit 8620 provides the sensed parameter value 8626 to the hardware interface 8606. In certain embodiments, the sensor control circuit 8620 converts the sensor response 8622 by performing one or more of debouncing, noise removal, filtering, saturation management, slew rate management, hysteresis operations, and/or diagnostic processing on the sensor response 8622 provided by the sensor. In certain embodiments, the sensor control circuit 8620 performs an A/D conversion on the sensor response 8622 provided by the sensor.

[0736] An example inspection robot includes an interface controller 8628 in communication with the hardware interface 8606, where the interface controller 8628 further receives one of the sensed parameter value 8626 or the sensor response 8622, 8710. In certain embodiments, the inspection robot further includes a sensed value processing circuit 8711 that converts the sensed parameter value 8626 to an inspection value 8712 (e.g., converting a sensed value to a secondary value such as a wall thickness, coating thickness, etc.). An example sensed value processing circuit 8711 provides the inspection value 8712 to the inspection coordination controller 8704, and/or to a model or virtual sensor 8714. In certain embodiments, the model or virtual sensor 8714 utilizes the inspection value 8712 to determine other values in the system.

[0737] An example inspection robot includes two drive modules 8716, 8718, each operatively coupled to a respective hardware interface 8606, 8720. The example system includes the interface controller 8628 interposed between the inspection coordination controller 8704 and each of the hardware interfaces 8606, 8720. The example inspection robot further includes each drive module 8716, 8718 having a respective drive controller 8722, 8724, where each drive controller 8722, 8724 is in communication with the respective hardware interface 8606, 8720. The example including the drive modules 8716, 8718 and the interface controller 8628 provides for separation between the first command set 8604 and the specific communication protocols, command values, and the like for the drive modules 8716, 8718. In certain embodiments, the example including the drive modules 8716, 8718 and the interface controller 8628 provides for swapability and/or reversibility of the drive modules 8716, 8718 between the hardware interfaces 8606, 8720.

[0738] Referencing FIG. 88, an example procedure for operating an inspection robot having a distributed microcontroller assembly is depicted. The example procedure includes an operation 8802 to operate an inspection controller in communication with a first hardware component coupled to a hardware interface utilizing a first command set, where the first hardware component includes a first response map, an operation 8804 to de-couple the first hardware component from the hardware interface, an operation 8806 to couple a second hardware component to the hardware interface, where the second hardware component includes a second response map, and an operation 8808 to operate the inspection controller in communication with the second hardware component utilizing the first command set.

[0739] An example procedure includes one of the response maps including an A/D converter instruction set, and/or where the first response map is distinct from the second response map. An example procedure includes an operation (not shown) to operate an interface controller communicatively coupled to the hardware interface, where the operating of the interface controller includes interpreting data from the first hardware component utilizing the first response map, interpreting data from the second hardware component utilizing the second response map, and communicating with the inspection controller in response to the first command set. In certain embodiments, interpreting data from the first hardware component is performed in a first hardware configuration (e.g., with the first hardware component coupled to the hardware interface), and interpreting data from the second hardware component is performed in a second hardware configuration (e.g., with the second hardware component coupled to the hardware interface).

[0740] An example procedure includes one of the response maps including an A/D converter instruction set, and/or where the first response map is distinct from the second response map. An example procedure includes an operation (not shown) to operate an interface controller communicatively coupled to the hardware interface, where the operating of the interface controller includes providing actuator command values to the first hardware component utilizing the first response map, providing actuator command values to the second hardware component utilizing the second response map, and communicating with the inspection controller in response to the first command set. In certain embodiments, providing actuator command values to the first hardware component is performed in a first hardware configuration (e.g., with the first hardware component coupled to the hardware interface), and providing actuator command values to the second hardware component is performed in a second hardware configuration (e.g., with the second hardware component coupled to the hardware interface). In certain embodiments, the procedure includes an operation to update computer readable instructions accessible to the interface controller before operating the inspection controller in communication with one of the hardware components, for example after a swap from the first hardware component to the second hardware component.

[0741] Referencing FIG. 89, an example system 8900 for distributed control of an inspection robot is depicted. The inspection robot may include any embodiment of an inspection robot as set forth throughout the present disclosure. The example system includes an inspection control circuit 8902 structured to operate the inspection robot utilizing a first command set, such as high level operation descriptions including movement commands, sensor commands (e.g., sensor on/off times, sampling rates, etc.), actuator commands (e.g., actuator activation or deactivation, actuator positions, and/or result commands such as applying a selected downforce, position for a payload, position for a sled, etc.). The example system includes a hardware interface 8906 in communication with the inspection control circuit 8902, where the hardware interface utilizes the first command set.

[0742] The example system includes a first hardware component 8908 operatively couplable to the hardware interface 8906, where the first hardware component includes and/or is in communication with a first hardware controller 8910. The first hardware controller 8910 includes a first response map 8912, for example including interface descriptions, A/D mapping, hardware responses to commands, and the like, where the first hardware controller 8910 commands the first hardware component 8908 in response to the first response map 8912 and the first command set 8904.

[0743] The example system includes a second hardware component 8914 operatively couplable to the hardware interface 8906, where the second hardware component includes and/or is in communication with a second hardware controller 8916. The second hardware controller 8916 includes a second response map 8918, and commands the second hardware component 8914 in response to the second response map 8918 and the first command set 8904.

[0744] It can be seen that the system of FIG. 89 provides for an inspection robot controller 802 operable to command inspection operations of the inspection robot, with either the first hardware component 8908 or the second hardware component 8914 coupled to the hardware interface 8906, without a change in the coupled hardware component requiring a change in the inspection robot controller 802 or the first command set 8904.

[0745] The example system 8900 further includes the first hardware controller 8910 utilizing a local command set 8920 to command the first hardware component 8908. For example, the inspection robot controller 802 may store a number of command sets thereon, wherein the first hardware controller 8910 selects one of the number of command sets as the local command set 8920 based on the type of hardware component being controlled, a function of the hardware component (e.g., sensing, a type of sensor, actuating a payload, actuating a sensor position, actuating a down force value, actuating a drive wheel, etc.) and/or the type of command present in the first command set 8904. The utilization of a local command set 8920 allows for the implementation of different hardware component types, while allowing the high level first command set 8904 to operate utilizing functional commands disassociated with the specific hardware components implementing the commands. In certain embodiments, a system 8900 may be changed to be compatible with additional hardware component types, actuator positions (e.g., a payload actuator coupled to a drive module or to a center chassis), by adding to available command sets available as local command sets 8920 without changing the inspection control circuit 8902 or the first command set 8904.

[0746] An example system 8900 includes the first response map 8912 being distinct from the second response map 8918, for example where the first hardware component 8908 is a different type of component than the second hardware component 8914, and/or has different interaction values such as response curves relative to electrical control values.

[0747] An example system 8900 includes a first drive module 8922 (which may be the first hardware component 8908, although they are depicted separately in the example of FIG. 89) having a first drive controller 8924 that determines a first drive signal 8926 in response to the first command set 8904 and a first drive module response map 8928. The first drive module 8922 may include a first motor 8930 (e.g., coupled to a drive wheel of the first drive module 8922) that is responsive to the first drive signal 8926.

[0748] An example system 8900 includes a second drive module 8932 (which may be the second hardware component 8914) having a second drive controller 8934 that determines a second drive signal 8936 in response to the first command set 8904 and a second drive module response map 8938. The second drive module 8932 may include a second motor 8940 that is responsive to the second drive signal 8936.

[0749] In certain embodiments, one of the first drive module 8922 or the second drive module 8932 may be coupled to the hardware interface 8906. Additionally or alternatively, one or both of the drive modules may be coupled to one or more additional hardware interfaces 8960, for example with a first drive module 8922 coupled to a center chassis on a first side, and a second drive module 8932 coupled to the center chassis on a second side. In certain embodiments, the drive controllers 8924, 8934 are configured to provide appropriate drive signals 8926, 8936 to the drive modules 8922, 8932 responsive to the first command set 8904, based on the response maps 8928, 8938 and/or which hardware interface 8960 the drive modules 8922, 8932 are coupled to. In certain embodiments, the first command set 8904 may include a command to move the inspection robot in a desired direction and speed, and the operation of the drive controllers 8924, 8934 allow for proper movement (direction and speed) regardless of which side the drive modules are coupled to. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the drive modules 8922, 8932 are swappable, and/or reversible, without changes to the inspection control circuit 8902 or the first command set 8904. In certain embodiments, the first drive module response map 8928 is distinct from the second drive module response map 8938, for example where the motors are distinct, where the drive modules 8922, 8932 include different actuators (e.g., a payload actuator on one, and a stability support device actuator on the other), and/or where the drive modules 8922, 8932 are positioned on opposing sides of the center chassis (e.g., where reversibility management is performed response map 8928, 8938 rather than through interface 8960 detection). In certain embodiments, the first drive signal 8926 is distinct from the second drive signal 8936, even where an identical drive response is desired from the first drive module 8922 and the second drive module 8932. In certain embodiments, the drive signals 8926, 8936 may be a commanded parameter to the motor (e.g., 50% torque), and/or the drive signals 8926, 8936 may be a voltage value or a current value provided to the respective drive motor 8930, 8940.

[0750] An example hardware component 8908, 8914 includes a sensor 8942, 8950, where the hardware component 8908, 8914 further includes a sensor control circuit 8946, 8954 that converts a sensor response of the sensor (e.g., depicted as 8944, 8952) to a sensed parameter value 8948, 8958. In certain embodiments, the inspection control circuit 8902 utilizes the sensed parameter value 8948, 8958, for example as a representation of a parameter sensed by the respective sensor, as a base sensor value, and/or as a minimally processed sensor value.

[0751] In certain embodiments, the sensor control circuit 8946, 8954 converts the sensor response 8944, 8952 by performing one or more of debouncing, noise removal, filtering, saturation management, slew rate management (e.g., allowable sensor response change per unit time, sampling value, and/or execution cycle), hysteresis operations (e.g., filtering, limiting, and/or ignoring sensor response sign changes and/or increase/decrease changes to smooth the sensed parameter value 8948, 8958 and/or avoid cycling), and/or diagnostic processing (e.g., converting known sensor response 8944, 8952 values that may be indicating a fault, electrical failure, and/or diagnostic condition instead of a sensed value—for example utilizing reserved bits of the sensor response map) on the sensor response 8944 value.

[0752] In certain embodiments, one or more hardware controllers 8910, 8946, 8916, 8954, 8924, 8934 and/or response maps 8912, 8918, 8928, 8938 may be positioned on the inspection robot controller 802, positioned on another controller in communication with the inspection robot controller 802, and/or positioned on the respective hardware component (e.g., as a smart component, and/or as a closely coupled component controller). In certain embodiments, one or more hardware controllers 8910, 8946, 8916, 8954, 8924, 8934 are interposed between the inspection control circuit 8902 and the respective hardware component.

[0753] Referencing FIG. 90, an example procedure to operate distinct hardware devices, such as drive modules, utilizing a same first command set, and/or utilizing a swappable hardware interface, is depicted. The example procedure includes an operation 9002 to operate a first drive module with the first command set, and an operation 9004 to operate a second drive module with the first command set. The example procedure further includes an operation 9006 to determine a next movement value in response to the first command set, an operation 9008 to select a drive command from the first command set (e.g., where the first command set includes a number of additional commands in addition to drive commands), and an operations 9010, 9012 to provide drive command to each of the first drive module and the second drive module.

[0754] In certain embodiments, the example procedure further includes an operation 9014 to determine a first drive signal for the first drive module in response to a first response map for the first drive module, and an operation 9016 to determine a second drive signal for the second drive module in response to a second response map for the second drive module. The example procedure includes operations 9018, 9020 to adjust the first drive module and the second drive module (and/or the first drive signal or the second drive signal), respectively, by an adjustment amount having a common adjustment parameter. In certain embodiments, the procedure includes an operation 9022 to determine the common adjustment parameter as one of a speed parameter, a distance parameter, and/or a direction parameter. For example, the common adjustment parameter 9022 may be utilized to adjust the first drive module 9108 in a first direction and the second drive module 9016 in an opposite direction to account for the positions of the reversible drive modules with respect to a center chassis of the inspection robot. In another example, the common adjustment parameter 9022 may be utilized to prevent wheel slipping, for example where the inspection robot is turning on a surface, by commanding an inner one of the drive modules to turn slightly slower and/or traverse a smaller distance, and commanding an outer one of the drive modules to turn slightly faster or traverse a larger distance.

[0755] In certain embodiments, operations 9018, 9020 to adjust the drive modules (and/or drive module signals) are performed to achieve a target provided by the first command set, where the adjustments do not have a common adjustment parameter, and/or where the adjustments are not adjusted by a same or similar amount (e.g., where a wheel of one of the drive modules is determined to be slipping). The procedure further includes an operation 9024 to interrogate the inspection surface (e.g., perform sensing operations) in response to the first command set.

[0756] Referring to FIGS. 91-93, example methods for inspecting an inspection surface with an inspection robot using configurable payloads are depicted. The inspection robot includes any inspection robot having a number of sensors associated therewith and configured to inspect a selected area. Without limitation to any other aspect of the present disclosure, an inspection robot as set forth throughout the present disclosure, including any features or characteristics thereof, is contemplated for the example methods depicted in FIGS. 91-93. In certain embodiments, the inspection robot 100 (FIG. 1) may have one or more payloads 2 (FIG. 1) and may include one or more sensors 2202 (FIG. 29) on each payload 2.

[0757] Operations of the inspection robot 100 provide the sensors 2202 in proximity to selected locations of the inspection surface 500 and collect associated data, thereby interrogating the inspection surface 500. Interrogating, as utilized herein, includes any operations to collect data associated with a given sensor, to perform data collection associated with a given sensor (e.g., commanding sensors, receiving data values from the sensors, or the like), and/or to determine data in response to information provided by a sensor (e.g., determining values, based on a model, from sensor data; converting sensor data to a value based on a calibration of the sensor reading to the corresponding data; and/or combining data from one or more sensors or other information to determine a value of interest). A sensor 2202 may be any type of sensor as set forth throughout the present disclosure, but includes at least a UT sensor, an EMI sensor (e.g., magnetic induction or the like), a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor (e.g., infrared, visual spectrum, and/or ultra-violet), a visual sensor (e.g., a camera, pixel grid, or the like), or combinations of these.

[0758] As illustrated in FIG. 91, a first method includes inspecting 9202 an inspection surface using a first payload coupled to a chassis of the inspection robot, decoupling 9204 the first payload from the inspection robot, and selectively coupling 9206 a second payload to the chassis of the inspection robot. As will be explained in greater detail below, the first payload has a first inspection characteristic and the second payload has a second inspection characteristic that is distinct from the first inspection characteristic. In embodiments, the method further includes inspecting 9208 the inspection surface using the second payload.

[0759] In embodiments, the inspection characteristic distinction may be a difference between a configuration of the one or more inspection sensors of the first payload and a configuration of the one or more inspection sensors of the second payload. The configuration difference may be a difference in a type of inspection sensor between the first and second payloads. In such embodiments, the sensors may be ultrasonic sensors, electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensors, photonic sensors, infrared sensors, ultraviolet sensors, electromagnetic radiation sensors, camera sensors, and/or optical sensors. For example, a first portion of an inspection run may use a first payload having ultrasonic sensors for an initial pass 9202 over the inspection surface. In the event an abnormality is found, the first payload may be swapped out for a second payload having optical sensors for use in a second pass 9208 over the inspection surface to acquire images of the abnormality. As will be understood, various other combinations of sensors between the first and second payloads may be used.

[0760] In embodiments, both the first payload and the second payload may each comprise two or more inspection sensors, and the difference in the configuration of the first payload and the second payload may be a difference in spacing between the inspection sensors on the first payload and the inspection sensors on the second payload. For example, a first inspection pass 9202 over the inspection surface may use a payload with a wide spacing between inspection sensors in order to save on the amount of data and/or time needed to capture the status of the inspection surface. In the event that an abnormality is found during the first pass, a second payload, having a smaller spacing between the sensors than the first payload, may be swapped in place of the first payload for a second inspection run 9208 in order to obtain higher quality data of the abnormality, but while taking a longer period of time to cover the same amount of area on the inspection surface as the first payload. As another example, the first inspection pass 9202 may cover a first portion of the inspection surface that may require a lower level of resolution, where the first payload has a wider spacing between sensors than the second payload which is used to cover a second portion of the inspection surface that requires higher resolution. In embodiments, the difference of spacing may be defined at least in part on a difference in a spacing of at least two sleds of the first payload and a spacing of at least two sleds of the second payload.

[0761] In embodiments, the difference in the configuration between the first and second payloads may be a difference between a first directional force applied 9210 on the first payload, e.g., a downward force applied by a first biasing member of the first payload to at least one inspection sensor of the first payload, and a second directional force applied 9212 on the second payload, e.g., a downward force, distinct from the first downward force, applied by a second biasing member of the second payload to at least one inspection sensor of the second payload. In embodiments, the distinction between the first and the second directional forces may be one of a magnitude, angle, and/or direction. The angle may be relative to the inspection surface. For example, in embodiments, the second payload may have a stronger downward biasing force than the first payload. In such embodiments, an operator of the inspection robot may attempt to use the first payload to inspect 9202 the inspection surface only to discover that the sensors of the first payload are having difficulty coupling to the inspection surface. The operator may then recall the inspection robot and swap out the first payload for the second payload to employ the stronger downward biasing force to couple the sensors of the second payload to the inspection surface.

[0762] In embodiments, the difference in the configuration between the first and second payloads may be a difference in a first spacing between at least two arms of the first payload and a spacing between at least two arms of the second payload.

[0763] In embodiments, the difference in the configuration between the first and second payloads may be a difference in spacing defined at least in part on a difference in a first number of inspection sensors on a sled of the first payload and a second number of inspection sensors on a sled of the second payload.

[0764] In embodiments, the distinction between the first inspection characteristic and the second inspection characteristic include at least one of a sensor interface, a sled ramp slope, a sled ramp height, a sled pivot location, an arm pivot location, a sled pivot range of motion, an arm pivot range of motion, a sled pivot orientation, an arm pivot orientation, a sled width, a sled bottom surface configuration, a couplant chamber configuration, a couplant chamber side, a couplant chamber routing, or a couplant chamber orientation.

[0765] In embodiments, the distinction between the first inspection characteristic and the second inspection characteristic is of biasing member type. For example, the first payload may have an active biasing member and the second payload may have a passive biasing member or vice versa. In such embodiments, the active biasing member may be motively coupled to an actuator, wherein a motive force of the actuator includes an electromagnetic force, a pneumatic force, or a hydraulic force. In embodiments, the passive biasing member may include a spring or a permanent magnet.

[0766] In embodiments, the distinction between the first inspection characteristic and the second inspection characteristic may be a side of the inspection robot chassis which the first payload is operative to be disposed and a side of the inspection robot chassis which the second payload is operative to be disposed. For example, the chassis may have a first payload interface on a first side and a second payload interface on a second side opposite the first side, wherein first payload may be operative to mount/couple to the first payload interface and lead the chassis and the second payload may be operative to mount/couple to the second payload interface and trail the chassis or vice versa.

[0767] Turning to FIG. 92, in embodiments, a second method includes selectively coupling 9302 a first payload to the inspection robot chassis, and selectively coupling 9304 a second payload distinct from the first payload to the inspection robot chassis. The method may further include selectively coupling 9306 a third payload distinct from the first and second payload to the inspection robot chassis. The method may further include selectively coupling 9308 a fourth payload distinct from the first, second and third payloads to the inspection robot chassis. The method may further include coupling yet additional payloads to the inspection robot chassis distinct from the first, second, third and fourth payloads.

[0768] Moving to FIG. 93, a third method includes inspecting 9402 the inspection surface using a first payload coupled to the inspection robot chassis, determining 9406 a characteristic of the inspection surface, decoupling 9408 the first payload from the inspection robot chassis, determining 9410 a second payload in response to the determined characteristic of the inspection surface, selectively coupling 9412 the second payload to the inspection surface, and inspecting 9414 the inspection surface using the second payload coupled to the inspection robot chassis.

[0769] In an embodiment, and referring to FIG. 184, a payload 18400 for an inspection robot for inspecting an inspection surface may include a payload coupler 18402 having a first portion 18404 and a second portion 18406, the first portion 18404 selectively couplable to a chassis of the inspection robot; an arm 18408 having a first end 18410 and a second end 18412, the first end 18410 coupled to the second portion 18406 of the payload coupler 18402; one or more sleds 18414 mounted to the second end 18412 of the arm 18408; and at least two inspection sensors 18416, wherein each of the at least two inspection sensors 18416 are mounted to a corresponding sled 18414 of the one or more sleds, and operationally couplable to the inspection surface; wherein the second portion 18406 of the payload coupler 18402 may be moveable in relation to the first portion 18404.

[0770] The term selectively couplable (and similar terms) as utilized herein should be understood broadly. Without limitation to any other aspect or description of the present disclosure, selectively couplable describes a selected association between objects. For example, an interface of object 1 may be so configured as to couple with an interface of object 2 but not with the interface of other objects. An example of selective coupling includes a power cord designed to couple to certain models of a particular brand of computer, while not being able to couple with other models of the same brand of computer. In certain embodiments, selectively couplable includes coupling under selected circumstances and/or operating conditions, and/or includes de-coupling under selected circumstances and/or operating conditions.

[0771] In an embodiment, the second portion 18406 of the payload coupler 18402 may be rotatable with respect to the first portion 18404. In an embodiment, the first end of the arm 18408 may be moveable in relation to the second portion 18406 of the payload coupler 18402. In an embodiment, the first end 18410 of the arm 18408 may rotate in relation to the second portion 18406 of the payload coupler 18402. In an embodiment, the first portion of the payload coupler is rotatable with respect to a first axis, and wherein the first end of the arm is rotatable in a second axis distinct from the first axis.

[0772] In an embodiment, the one or more sleds 18414 may be rotatable in relation to the second end 18412 of the arm 18408. The payload may further include at least two sleds 18414, and wherein the at least two sleds 18414 may be rotatable as a group in relation to the second end 18412 of the arm 18408—for example, by a pivot coupling 18422 to the arm 18408. The payload may further include a downward biasing force device 18418 structured to selectively apply a downward force to the at least two inspection sensors 18416 with respect to the inspection surface. In embodiments, the weight position of the device 18418 may be set at design time or run time. In some embodiments, weight positions may only include a first position or a second position, or positions in between (a few, a lot, or continuous). In embodiments, the downward biasing force device 18418 may be disposed on the second portion 18406 of the payload coupler 18402 along an axis running through 18420. The downward biasing force device 18418 may be one or more of a weight, a spring, an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, or an actuator. The downward biasing force device 18418 may include a weight moveable between a first position applying a first downward force and a second position applying a second downward force. The downward biasing force device 18418 may include a spring, and a biasing force adjustor moveable between a first position applying a first downward force and a second position applying a second downward force. In embodiments, the force of the device 18418 may be set at design time or run time. In embodiments, the force of the device 18418 may be available only at a first position/second position, or positions in between (a few, a lot, or continuous). For example, setting the force may involve compressing a spring or increasing a tension, such as in a relevant direction based on spring type. In another example, setting the force may involve changing out a spring to one having different properties, such as at design time. In embodiments, the spring may include at least one of a torsion spring, a tension spring, a compression spring, or a disc spring. The payload 18400 may further include an inspection sensor position actuator, e.g., 6072 (FIG. 60), structured to adjust a position of the at least two inspection sensors 18416 with respect to the inspection surface. The payload may further include at least two sensors 18416, wherein the payload coupler 18402 may be moveable with respect to the chassis of the inspection robot and the inspection sensor position actuator may be coupled to the chassis, wherein the inspection sensor position actuator in a first position moves the payload coupler 18402 to a corresponding first coupler position, thereby moving the at least two sensors 18416 to a corresponding first sensor position, and wherein the inspection sensor position actuator in a second position moves the payload coupler 18402 to a corresponding second coupler position, thereby moving the at least two sensors 18416 to a corresponding second sensor position. In some embodiments, the inspection sensor position actuator may be coupled to a drive module. In some embodiments, a payload position may include a down force selection (e.g., actuator moves to touch sensors down, further movement may be applying force and may not correspond to fully matching geometric movement of the payload coupler). In embodiments, the inspection sensor position actuator may be structured to rotate the payload coupler 18402 between the first coupler position and the second coupler position. The actuator may be structured to horizontally translate the payload coupler 18402 between the first coupler position and the second coupler position. The payload may further include a couplant conduit 18506 structured to fluidly communicate couplant between a chassis couplant interface 5102 (FIG. 51) and a payload couplant interface, e.g., interface 18502, and wherein each of the at least two inspection sensors 18416 may be fluidly coupled to the payload couplant interface. In an embodiment, the couplant conduit 18506 may be from the chassis to the payload such that a single payload connection supplies all related sensors.

[0773] The term fluidly communicate (and similar terms) as utilized herein should be understood broadly. Without limitation to any other aspect or description of the present disclosure, fluid communication describes a movement of a fluid, a gas, or a liquid, between two points. In some examples, the movement of the fluid between the two points can be one of multiple ways the two points are connected, or may be the only way they are connected. For example, a device may supply air bubbles into a liquid in one instance, and in another instance the device may also supply electricity from a battery via the same device to electrochemically activate the liquid.

[0774] The payload may further include at least two sensor couplant channels, each of the at least two sensor couplant channels, e.g., 18608, fluidly coupled to the payload couplant interface at a first end, and fluidly coupled to a couplant chamber, e.g., 2810 (FIG. 28), for a corresponding one of the at least two inspection sensors 18416 at a second end. In an embodiment, the arm 18408 defines at least a portion of each of the at least two sensor couplant channels 18608, that is, the at least two sensor couplant channels share some of their length in the arm portion before branching out. The payload 18400 may further include a communication conduit 18504 structured to provide electrical communication between a chassis control interface 5118 (FIG. 51) and a payload control interface e.g., interface 18502, and wherein each of the at least two inspection sensors 18416 may be communicatively coupled to the payload control interface 18502. The communication conduit 18504 may include at least two sensor control channels, e.g., 18608, each of the at least two sensor control channels 18608 communicatively coupled to the payload control interface at a first end, and communicatively coupled to a corresponding one of the at least two inspection sensors 18416 at a second end. The arm 18408 may define at least a portion of each of the at least two sensor control channels. Referring to FIG. 185, the payload 18400 may further include a universal conduit 18502 structured to provide fluid communication of couplant between a chassis couplant interface 5108 (FIG. 52) and a couplant chamber 2810 (FIG. 28) corresponding to each of the at least two inspection sensors 18416; electrical communication between a chassis control interface 5118 and each of the at least two inspection sensors 18416; and electrical power between a chassis power interface, e.g., 5118 (FIG. 51), and each of the at least two inspection sensors 18416.

[0775] The term universal conduit (and similar terms) as utilized herein should be understood broadly. Without limitation to any other aspect or description of the present disclosure, a universal conduit describes a conduit capable of providing multiple other conduits or connectors, such as fluid, electricity, communications, or the like. In certain embodiments, a universal conduit includes a conduit at least capable to provide an electrical connection and a fluid connection. In certain embodiments, a universal conduit includes a conduit at least capable to provide an electrical connection and a communication connection.

[0776] In an embodiment, and referring to FIG. 185 and FIG. 186, the universal conduit 18502 may include a single channel portion 18604 defining a single channel extending between the chassis and the payload coupler 18402; and a multi-channel portion 18608 defining a plurality of channels extending between the payload coupler 18402 and each of the one or more sleds 18414. In embodiments, there may be more than one single channel to support a number of payloads, or more than one chassis interface. In embodiments, the arm 18408 may define at least a portion of the multi-channel portion 18608 of the universal conduit 18602. The first portion 18404 of the payload coupler 18402 may include a universal connection port 18502 that may include a mechanical payload connector structured to mechanically couple with a mechanical connection interface of the chassis 102 (FIG. 1) of the inspection robot 100; and at least one connector selected from the connectors consisting of a payload couplant connector 18506 structured to fluidly communicate with a couplant interface 5108 of the chassis 102 of the inspection robot 100; a payload communication connector 18504 structured to electrically communicate with an electrical communication interface 5118 of the chassis 102 of the inspection robot 100; and an electrical power connector 18508 structured to electrically communicate with an electrical power interface 5118 of the chassis 102 of the inspection robot 100.

[0777] The term mechanically couple (and similar terms) as utilized herein should be understood broadly. Without limitation to any other aspect or description of the present disclosure, mechanically coupling describes connecting objects using a mechanical interface, such as joints, fasteners, snap fit joints, hook and loop, zipper, screw, rivet, or the like.

[0778] In an embodiment, and referring to FIG. 185, a payload coupler 18402 for a payload of an inspection robot for inspecting an inspection surface may include a first portion 18404 selectively couplable to a chassis of the inspection robot; a second portion 18406 couplable to an arm 18408 of the payload 18400; and a universal connection port 18502 disposed on the first portion 18404 and comprising: a mechanical payload connector structured to mechanically couple with a mechanical connection interface of the chassis of the inspection robot. The universal connection port may further include a payload couplant connector 18506 structured to fluidly communicate with a couplant interface 5108 of the chassis 102 of the inspection robot 100. The universal connection port 18502 may further include a payload communication connector 18504 structured to electrically communicate with an electrical communication interface 5118 of the chassis 102 of the inspection robot 100. The universal connection port 18502 may further include an electrical power connector 18508 structured to electrically communicate with an electrical power interface 5118 of the chassis 102 of the inspection robot 100. In certain embodiments, the payload coupler includes a single fluid connection port for a payload, and a separate single electrical connection port. In the example, the single fluid connection port provides for couplant or other working fluid provision to all sensors or devices on the payload, and the single electrical connection port provides for all electrical power and communication connections for all sensors or devices on the payload.

[0779] In an embodiment, and referring to FIG. 187, a method of inspecting an inspection surface with an inspection robot may include determining one or more surface characteristics of the inspection surface 18702; determining at least two inspection sensors 18704 for inspecting the inspection surface in response to the determined surface characteristics, the at least two inspection sensors each mounted to a corresponding sled, the corresponding sleds coupled to an arm, the arm coupled to a second portion of a payload coupler; selectively coupling a first portion of the payload coupler to a chassis of the inspection robot 18706; and articulating the second portion 18716 of the payload coupler causing relative movement between the first portion of the payload coupler and the second portion of the payload coupler. In an embodiment, selectively coupling the first portion of the payload coupler to a chassis of the inspection robot includes mechanically coupling a mechanical payload connector of a universal connection port, disposed on the first portion, to a mechanical connection interface of the chassis of the inspection robot 18708; and fluidly coupling a payload couplant connector of the universal connection port to a couplant interface of the chassis 18710. In an embodiment, selectively coupling a second portion of the payload coupler to a chassis of the inspection robot includes mechanically coupling a mechanical payload connector of a universal connection port, disposed on the second portion, to a mechanical connection interface of the chassis of the inspection robot 18708; and electrically coupling a payload communication connector of the universal connection port to an electrical communication interface of the chassis 18712. In an embodiment, selectively coupling the first portion of the payload coupler to a chassis of the inspection robot may include mechanically coupling a mechanical payload connector of a universal connection port, disposed on the first portion, to a mechanical connection interface of the chassis of the inspection robot 18708; and electrically coupling an electrical power connector of the universal connection port to an electrical power interface of the chassis 18714.

[0780] In an embodiment, selectively coupling the first portion of the payload coupler to a chassis of the inspection robot may include mechanically coupling a mechanical payload connector of a universal connection port, disposed on the first portion, to a mechanical connection interface of the chassis of the inspection robot 18708; fluidly coupling a payload couplant connector of the universal connection port to a couplant interface of the chassis 18710; electrically coupling an payload communication connector of the universal connection port to an electrical communication interface of the chassis 18712; and electrically coupling an electrical power connector of the universal connection port to an electrical power interface of the chassis 18714. The method may further include rotating the second portion of the payload coupler in relation to the first portion. The method may further include rotating the arm in relation to the payload coupler 18718. The method may further include rotating at least one of the corresponding sleds in relation to the arm 18720. The method may further include applying a downward biasing force to the at least two inspection sensors with respect to the inspection surface via a downward biasing force device 18722. The downward biasing force device may be disposed on the chassis of the inspection robot and may apply a rotational force to the payload coupler. The method may further include horizontally translating the at least two inspection sensors with respect to the chassis of the inspection robot 18724.

[0781] Turning now to FIG. 94, an example system and/or apparatus for providing dynamic adjustment of a biasing force for an inspection robot 100 (FIG. 1) is depicted. The example inspection robot 100 includes any inspection robot having a number of sensors associated therewith and configured to inspect a selected area. Without limitation to any other aspect of the present disclosure, an inspection robot 100 as set forth throughout the present disclosure, including any features or characteristics thereof, is contemplated for the example system depicted in FIG. 94. In certain embodiments, the inspection robot 100 may have one or more payloads 2 (FIG. 1) and may include one or more sensors 2202 (FIG. 29) on each payload 2.

[0782] Operations of the inspection robot 100 provide the sensors 2202 in proximity to selected locations of the inspection surface 500 and collect associated data, thereby interrogating the inspection surface 500. Interrogating, as utilized herein, includes any operations to collect data associated with a given sensor, to perform data collection associated with a given sensor (e.g., commanding sensors, receiving data values from the sensors, or the like), and/or to determine data in response to information provided by a sensor (e.g., determining values, based on a model, from sensor data; converting sensor data to a value based on a calibration of the sensor reading to the corresponding data; and/or combining data from one or more sensors or other information to determine a value of interest). A sensor 2202 may be any type of sensor as set forth throughout the present disclosure, but includes at least a UT sensor, an EMI sensor (e.g., magnetic induction or the like), a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor (e.g., infrared, visual spectrum, and/or ultra-violet), a visual sensor (e.g., a camera, pixel grid, or the like), or combinations of these.

[0783] The example system further includes a biasing device/member 9530 that applies a downward force on at least one sled 1 (FIG. 1) of a payload 2 in a direction towards the inspection surface 500. The biasing device 9530 may be disposed on the inspection robot 100 and have a passive component 9534 and an active component 9532. The passive component 9534 may include a spring, e.g., spring 21 (FIG. 4), a permanent magnet, weight and/or other device that provides a relatively consistent force. The active component 9532 may include an electromagnet, a suction device, a sliding weight, an adjustable spring (e.g., coupled to an actuator that selectively increases compression, tension, or torsion of the spring), and/or other devices that provide for an adjustable/controllable force. The passive 9534 and/or active 9532 components may be mounted to a payload 2, sensors 2202 or other portions of the inspection robot 100 where the components 9532 and 9534 can provide a downward force on the sensors 2202 towards the inspection surface 500. For example, in embodiments, the passive component 9534 may be a permanent magnet that provides a constant baseline amount of force directing the sensors 2202 towards the inspection surface 500 with the active component 9532 being an electromagnet that provides an adjustable amount of force directing the sensors 2202 towards the inspection surface 500 that supplements the force provided by the passive component.

[0784] The example system further includes a controller 802 having a number of circuits configured to functionally perform operations of the controller 802. The example system includes the controller 802 having a sensor interaction circuit 9502, a force control circuit 9506 and a force provisioning circuit 9518. In embodiments, the controller 802 may further include a user interaction circuit 9510 and/or an obstacle navigation circuit 9514. The example controller 802 may additionally or alternatively include aspects of any controller, circuit, or similar device as described throughout the present disclosure. Aspects of example circuits may be embodied as one or more computing devices, computer-readable instructions configured to perform one or more operations of a circuit upon execution by a processor, one or more sensors, one or more actuators, and/or communications infrastructure (e.g., routers, servers, network infrastructure, or the like). Further details of the operations of certain circuits associated with the controller 802 are set forth, without limitation, in the portion of the disclosure referencing FIGS. 94-96.

[0785] The example controller 802 is depicted schematically as a single device for clarity of description, but the controller 802 may be a single device, a distributed device, and/or may include portions at least partially positioned with other devices in the system (e.g., on the inspection robot 100). In certain embodiments, the controller 802 may be at least partially positioned on a computing device associated with an operator of the inspection (not shown), such as a local computer at a facility including the inspection surface 500, a laptop, and/or a mobile device. In certain embodiments, the controller 802 may alternatively or additionally be at least partially positioned on a computing device that is remote to the inspection operations, such as on a web-based computing device, a cloud computing device, a communicatively coupled device, or the like.

[0786] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 94 and 95, the sensor interaction circuit 9502 interprets 9602 a force value 9504 representing an amount of the downward force applied by the biasing device 9530 on a sled 1 in a direction towards the inspection surface 500. The force control circuit 9506 determines 9608 a force adjustment value 9508 in response to the force value 9504 and a target force value 9536. The force provisioning circuit 9518 provides the force adjustment value 9508 to the active component 9532, which is responsive to the force adjustment 9508. In other words, the active component 9532 is adjusted 9614 based at least in part on the determined 9608 force adjustment value 9508. In embodiments, determining 9608 the force adjustment value 9508 may include determining 9610 the force adjustment value 9608 to the active component 9532. The biasing device 9530 may then apply 9612 the downward force to the sled 1 and/or sensors 2202, which, as discussed above, may be performed by adjusting 9614 the active component 9532.

[0787] For example, in embodiments, the passive component 9534 may be configured to provide the target force value 9536 to the sled 1 and/or sensors 2202, wherein the target force value 9536 may correspond to an ideal/optimal amount of force for keeping the sensors 2202 coupled to the inspection surface 500 as the sled 1 bounces, jostles and/or otherwise moves in relation to the inspection surface 500 during an inspection run. It will also be understood that the passive component 9534 and the active component 9532 may be configured to collectively provide the target force value 9536.

[0788] Accordingly, in embodiments, the force control circuit 9502 may determine 9608 the force adjustment value 9508 so that the magnitude of the downward force applied by the biasing device 9530 is increased or decreased as conditions encountered by the inspection robot 100 while traversing the inspection surface 500 make it more or less likely that the sensors 2202 will be jostled, bounced, and/or otherwise moved away from an ideal position with respect to the inspection surface 500. In other words, as conditions become more difficult or easy for the sensors 2202 to remain coupled to the inspection surface 500, the target force value 9536 may increase or decrease and the controller 802 may increase or decrease the amount of downward force applied by the active component 9532 in an effort to make the amount of downward force applied by the biasing device 9530, i.e., the sum of the passive 9534 and active 9532 components, to be equal, or nearly equal, to the target force amount 9536. In such embodiments, the force adjustment value 9508 may be determined 9608 in response to determining that a coupling quality value is below a coupling quality threshold. As will be appreciated, dynamic adjustment of the amount of downward force provided by the biasing device 9530 improves the overall likelihood that the sensors 2202 will remain coupled to the inspection surface 500 during an inspection run.

[0789] As shown in FIGS. 95 and 96, in embodiments, the obstacle navigation circuit 9514 may interpret 9606 obstacle data 9516 from one or more obstacle sensor, which may be mounted on the inspection robot 100 or located off the inspection robot 100. Such obstacle data 9516 may include the location and/or type of structures on the surface, cracks in the surface, gaps in the inspection surface 500 and/or any other type of information (as described herein) relating to an obstacle which may need to be traversed by the inspection robot 100. In such embodiments, the force control circuit 9506 may update the force adjustment value 9508 when the obstacle navigation circuit 9514 determines 9718 from the obstacle data 9516 that an obstacle is in the path of the inspection robot 100 along the inspection surface 500 and/or when the obstacle data 9516 indicates the obstacle is no longer in the path of the inspection robot 100. For example, where the obstacle data 9516 indicates that an obstacle, e.g., a pipe head, is in the path of the inspection robot 100, the force control circuit 9506 may determine the force adjustment value 9508 to be negative to reduce 9722 the amount of force applied by the biasing device 9530 so that the sensors 2202 and/or sled 1 can more easily move over and/or away from the obstacle. As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, the direction of the fore supplied by the active component 9352 may be reversed to as to lift the sensors 2202 and/or sled 1 away from the inspection surface 500. Upon determining 9718 that the obstacle has been cleared, the force adjustment value 9508 may be made positive to increase 9720 the amount of force applied by the biasing device 9350 to improve sensor 2202 coupling with the inspection surface 500.

[0790] As further shown in FIGS. 95 and 96, in embodiments, the force control circuit 9506 may determine 9608 the force adjustment 9508 such that the amount of the downward force applied by the biasing device 9530 is above a minimum threshold value 9712. For example, in embodiments, the minimum threshold value 9712 may correspond to an amount of force for keeping the sensors 2202 and/or sled 1 from decoupling from the inspection surface 500, e.g., when the inspection surface 500 is inclined and/or vertical with respect to the Earth's gravitational field. For example, in situations where the inspection robot 100 is inspecting a vertical metal wall, the control circuit may first attempt to traverse an obstacle by reducing an amount of force applied by an electromagnet of the active component 9352 with the minimum threshold value 9712 serving as a safety feature to prevent undesirable departure of the sensors 2202, sleds 1 and/or inspection robot (as a whole) from the inspection surface 500. When the force value 9504 is below the threshold 9712, or when a determined force adjustment 9508 would result in the force value 9504 dropping below the minimum threshold 9712, the force control circuit 9506 may increase 9716 the amount of downward force supplied by the biasing device 9530 by increasing the amount of the force supplied by the active component 9532.

[0791] As yet further shown in FIG. 95, in embodiments, the user interaction circuit 9510 interprets 9604 a force request value 9512. The force adjustment value 9508 may be based, at least in part, on the force request value 9512. For example, the inspection robot 100 may encounter an obstacle and send a notification to an operator. Upon receiving the notification, the operator may determine that the obstacle may be best traversed by decreasing the amount of downward force applied by the biasing device 9530. The operator may then send a force request value 9512 to the controller 802 that calls for decreasing the downward force applied by the biasing device 9530, with the force control circuit 9506 adjusting 9614 the active component 9530 in kind. The operator may also determine that an obstacle is best traversed by increasing the amount of downward biasing force and send a force request value 9512 to the controller 802 calling for an increase in the downward biasing force applied by the biasing device 9530. For example, an operator may detect that the inspection robot 100 has encountered a portion of the inspection surface 500 that is bumpier than expected such that the sensors 2202 are uncoupling, or are about to uncouple, from the surface 500. Accordingly, the operator may increase the amount of biasing force provided by the active component 9532. As another example, the operator may detect that the inspection robot 1 needs to cross a gap and/or small step in the surface 500. In such cases, the operator may decrease the amount of biasing force applied by the active component 9532 to facilitate and easier crossing.

[0792] In embodiments, the minimum threshold value 9712 may be based, at least in part, on the force request value 9512. For example, an operator may detect that the inspection surface 500 is steeper and/or bumpier than originally expected and send a force request value 9512 to the controller 802 that sets and/or increases the minimum threshold value 9712 to reduce the risk of the sensors 2202, sled 1 and/or inspection robot 100 (as a whole) from undesirably departing the inspection surface 500.

[0793] In embodiments, the force adjustment value 9508 may be determined 9608 further in response to determining that an excess fluid loss value exceeds a threshold value. For example, the controller 802 and/or operator may detect that couplant is being lost at a rate faster than desired and, in turn, increase the amount of the downward force applied by the active component 9352 to reduce couplant loss by decreasing the space between the sensors 2202 and the inspection surface 500.

[0794] In embodiments, the active component 9532 may be adjusted to compensate for a temperature of the active component 9532, passive component 9534, inspection surface 500 and/or ambient environment. For example, in embodiments where the passive 9354 component is a permanent magnet, the amount of force supplied by the permanent magnet may decrease due to a hot inspection surface and/or hot environmental temperatures. The decrease in the force supplied by the passive component 9354 may be compensated for by increasing the amount of force supplied by the active 9352 component. Further, as temperatures changes may affect the efficiency of an electromagnet, in embodiments, the amount of the force called for by the controller 802 of the active component 9352 may need to change as the electromagnet increases and decreases in temperature in order to provide for a consistent amount of force.

[0795] Referring to FIGS. 97-99, a method of operating an inspection robot is depicted. The method may include commanding operation of a first component of an inspection robot with a first command set (step 9802) and operating the first component in response to the first command set and a first response map (step 9804). The first component may be uncoupled from a first component interface of the inspection robot (step 9806) and a second component of the inspection robot coupled to the first component interface (9808). The method may further include commanding operation of a second component with the first command set (step 9810) and operating the second component in response to the first command set and a second response map (step 9812). Operating the first component may include interpreting the commanded operation in response to the first response map (step 9826) and operating the second component may include interpreting the commanded operation in response to the second response map (step 9828). The first response map and the second response map may be the same or distinct. In embodiments the method may further include determining which of the first component of the second component is coupled to the first component interface (step 9829) and selecting one of the first response map or the second response map based on the coupled component (step 9831). While examples of a first component with a first response map and a second component with a second response map are described, it should be understood that there may be a plurality of components, each having a component response map.

[0796] In embodiments, the first component may include a first sensor carriage with at least two sensors coupled to the first sensor carriage. The second component may include a second sensor carriage, the second carriage also having at least two sensors coupled to the second sensor carriage. The inspection configuration of the different sensor carriages may be the same or distinct from one another. In embodiments, the first component may include a first inspection payload and the second component may include a second inspection payload. The payloads may be distinct in terms of types and configurations of payloads.

[0797] As depicted in FIG. 98, commanding operation of the first component (9802) may include: providing an inspection trajectory for the inspection robot (step 9814), providing sensor activation instructions for a plurality of sensors corresponding to a first component (step 9816), providing couplant flow commands for the first component (step 9818), providing position data commands corresponding to inspection data from the first component (step 9820), or providing a result command for the first component (step 9822). Further, interpreting the first response map (step 9832) may include interpreting the first response map based on data received from the first component (step 9834), interpreting the first response map based on identifying data received from the first component (step 9836), analyzing data from the first component in response to at least the first response map and interpreting the first response map as the correct map in response to the analyzing (step 9836) and the like.

[0798] As depicted in FIG. 99, operating the first component (step 9804) may include interpreting the first response map (step 9832). Interpreting the first response map may include: interpreting the first response map based on data received from the first component (step 9826); interpreting the first response map based on identifying data received from the first component (step 9827); analyzing data from the first component in response to at least the first response map and interpreting the first response map as the correct map in response to the analyzing (step 9830); and the like. Similarly, operating the second component (or other components) may include interpreting the component response map. Interpreting the component response map may include: interpreting the component response map based on data received from the component; interpreting the component response map based on identifying data received from the component; analyzing data from the component in response to at least the component response map and interpreting the component response map as the correct map in response to the analyzing; and the like. While an example of commanding operation of a first component with a first command set and interpreting the first response map has been provided, it is understood that the example is not limited to the first component but rather map be understood to apply to a plurality of different components.

[0799] Referring to FIG. 100, an inspection robot 9902 is depicted. The inspection robot 9902 may include an inspection chassis 9904 having a first hardware interface 9906 with a first quick release connection 9908 and a second hardware interface 9936 with a second quick release connection 9938. The example inspection robot 9902 includes an inspection controller 9910 communicatively coupled to the first hardware interface 9906, and structured to control a component payload 9922, 9924 using a first command set 9916. The example inspection robot 9902 includes a first component payload 9912 operably couplable to the first hardware interface 9906, and having a first component 9922 with a first response map 9914, where the first component 9922 interacts with the inspection controller 9926 using the first command set 9916. The example inspection robot 9902 further includes a second component payload 9918 that includes a second component 9924 having a second response map 9920 and structured to interact with the inspection controller 9910 using the first command set 9916.

[0800] In certain further embodiments, the first component 9922 includes at least two sensors, and/or the second component 9924 includes at least two sensors. In certain further embodiments, the first response map 9914 is distinct from the second response map 9920. In certain embodiments, the first component 9922 includes a different number of sensors relative to the second component 9924. In certain embodiments, the hardware interface 9906 includes a couplant connection.

[0801] Example and non-limiting first command set parameters include one or more of: an inspection trajectory for the inspection robot, sensor activation instructions for the inspection robot, couplant flow commands for the inspection robot, position data commands corresponding to inspection data from the first component or the second component for the inspection robot, a result command for the inspection robot, and/or an inspection result command for the inspection robot.

[0802] An example inspection robot 9902 includes an intermediary controller 9926 structured to determine whether the first component payload 9912 or the second component payload 9918 is coupled to the first hardware interface 9906, and to select an appropriate one of the first response map 9914 or the second response map 9920 based on the coupled component payload. An example inspection robot 9902 further includes the intermediary controller 9926 further determining whether the first component payload 9912 or the second component payload 9918 is coupled to the first hardware interface 9906 by performing an operation such as: interrogating a coupled payload for identifying information, analyzing data received from a coupled payload with the first response map 9914 and the second response map 9920 (e.g., determining which response map provides for sensible and/or expected information based on communicated data from the respective component, and/or determining which response map results in an actuator providing the expected response), using the analyzing data received from a coupled payload and determining the coupled payload in response to the analyzing (e.g., determining the type of data, the sampling rate, the range, etc., to determine which component is coupled).

[0803] An example intermediary controller 9926 interprets a corresponding response map 9914, 9920 from the coupled payload, and adjusts communications of the first command set 9910 in response to the corresponding response map 9914, 9920 to determine an adjusted command set 9909, and commands operations of the coupled payload in response to the adjusted first command set. An example intermediary controller 9926 interprets identifying information 9940, 9941 from the coupled component to determine which component is coupled to the hardware interface 9906. An example intermediary controller 9926 interprets inspection data from the coupled payload in response to the corresponding response map.

[0804] An example inspection robot 9902 includes the inspection chassis 9904 having a second hardware interface 9936 including a second quick release connection 9938, wherein the first component payload 9912 and the second component payload 9918 are operably couplable to the second hardware interface 9936. In certain embodiments, the first component payload 9912 and the second component payload 9918 are swappable between the first hardware interface 9906 and the second hardware interface 9936. In certain embodiments, the inspection robot 9902 includes an additional number of payloads 9919, each having a corresponding response map 9932, where the inspection robot 9902 is configured to interact with coupled members of the number of payloads 9918 using the first command set 9916. In certain embodiments, the interaction controller 9926 interacts with the inspection controller 9910 and the coupled payloads 9918, determining response maps and/or adjusting the first command set 9916, thereby isolating operations, command values, and/or parameter values of the inspection controller 9910 from the coupled components 9918, and allowing for utilization of each hardware interface 9906, 9936 for any one or more of, and/or for selected subsets of, the number of components 9918.

[0805] Example and non-limiting component payloads include one or more components such as: a sensor, an actuator, a welder, a visible marking device, a coating device, and a cleaning tool. An example embodiment includes the first component payload 9922 comprises a first drive module, wherein the second component payload 9918 comprises a second drive module, where the first hardware interface 9906 comprises a first connection port on a first chassis side of the inspection robot, and wherein the second hardware interface 9936 comprises a second connection port on a second chassis side of the inspection robot.

[0806] Example and non-limiting response maps for components include one or more component descriptions such as: a raw sensor data to processed value calibration, an actuator command description, a sensor output value, an analog-to-digital description corresponding to the component, diagnostic data corresponding to the associated component, and/or fault code data corresponding to the associated component.

[0807] Referencing FIG. 101, an example inspection robot 10002 having swappable and reversible drive modules 10016, 10020 is depicted. The example inspection robot 10002 includes an inspection chassis 10004 having a first hardware interface 10006A and a second hardware interface 10006B, which may include a connecting port on the chassis housing, and/or a drive suspension couplable to a drive module and having rotation allowance/limiting features, translation allowance/limiting features, electrical connections, mechanical connections, and/or communication connections for the drive modules 10016, 10020. The example inspection robot 10002 includes an inspection response circuit 10010, depicted apart from the inspection chassis 10004 but optionally positioned in whole or part on the inspection chassis, and depicted on the inspection robot 10002 but optionally positioned in whole or part away from the inspection chassis. The example inspection response circuit 10010 receives inspection response values (e.g., determined responses for reconfiguration, adjusting an inspection operation, and/or a user request value to adjust operations), and provides a first command set 10012 in response to the adjustments. In certain embodiments, the hardware interfaces 10006A, 10006B include intermediate drive controllers 10008A, 10008B configured to provide commands responsive to the first command set 10012, and further in response to a first response map 10018 and the second response map 10022. In certain embodiments, the example of FIG. 101 allows for the drive modules 10018, 10022 to be coupled to either hardware interface and perform inspection operations and/or adjustments.

[0808] Turning now to FIG. 102, an example system and/or apparatus for operating an inspection robot in a hazardous environment is depicted. The example inspection robot includes any inspection robot having a number of sensors associated therewith and configured to inspect a selected area. Without limitation to any other aspect of the present disclosure, an inspection robot as set forth throughout the present disclosure, including any features or characteristics thereof, is contemplated for the example system depicted in FIG. 102. In certain embodiments, the inspection robot may include a chassis 10102 to which one or more payloads 10110 are mounted. The payloads 10110 may have a body 10112 to which one or more arms 10114 are mounted. One or more sleds 10118, having one or more inspection sensors 10120, may be mounted to the arms 10114. One or more drive modules 10104, having one or more wheel assemblies 10108, may be mounted to the chassis 10102.

[0809] Operations of the inspection robot provide the sensors 10120 in proximity to selected locations of the inspection surface 500 (FIG. 5) and collect associated data, thereby interrogating the inspection surface 500. Interrogating, as utilized herein, includes any operations to collect data associated with a given sensor, to perform data collection associated with a given sensor (e.g., commanding sensors, receiving data values from the sensors, or the like), and/or to determine data in response to information provided by a sensor (e.g., determining values, based on a model, from sensor data; converting sensor data to a value based on a calibration of the sensor reading to the corresponding data; and/or combining data from one or more sensors or other information to determine a value of interest). A sensor 10120 may be any type of sensor as set forth throughout the present disclosure, but includes at least a UT sensor, an EMI sensor (e.g., magnetic induction or the like), a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor (e.g., infrared, visual spectrum, and/or ultra-violet), a visual sensor (e.g., a camera, pixel grid, or the like), or combinations of these.

[0810] In embodiments, the one or more wheel assemblies 10108 may have a heat resistant magnet 10122 and/or heat resistant magnetic arrangement. The heat resistant magnet 10122 may have a working temperature rating of at least 250° F. In embodiments, the heat resistant magnet 10122 may have a working temperature rating of at least 80° C. In embodiments, the heat resistant magnet 10122 may have a working temperature rating of at least 150° C. In embodiments, the heat resistant magnet 10122 may include a rare earth metal, e.g., neodymium, samarium, and compounds thereof, e.g., NdFeB and SmCo. Materials capable of generating a BHmax greater than forty (40) with a working temperature rating of at least 250° F. may also be included in the magnet. An example heat resistant magnetic arrangement includes a selected spacing of the magnetic hub from the inspection surface (e.g., utilizing the enclosures and/or a cover for the wheel), reducing conduction to the magnetic hub (e.g., a coating for the enclosures and/or the magnetic hub, and/or a wheel cover having a selected low conductivity material), and/or reducing radiative heating to the magnetic hub (e.g., adjusting an absorption coefficient for the hub with polishing and/or a coating, covering a line of sight between the magnetic hub and the inspection surface with a wheel cover, and/or reducing an exposed surface area of the magnetic hub with an enclosure arrangement, wheel cover, and/or coating).

[0811] As further shown in FIG. 102, in embodiments, the inspection robot may further include a cooling plate 10124 thermally coupled to an electrical component 10134 which may be disposed on the chassis 10102 and/or other portions of the inspection robot, e.g., the payloads 10110 and/or drive modules 10104. The cooling plate 10124 may be designed to transfer heat away from the electrical component 10134 and radiate it into the surrounding environment. In embodiments, the cooling plate 10124 may be disposed on a side of the chassis 10102 facing the inspection surface 500 during an inspection run. In embodiments, the cooling plate 10124 may be on a side of the chassis 10102 facing away from the inspection surface 500 during an inspection run. In embodiments, the cooling plate 10124 may be thermally coupled to a couplant manifold 5302 (FIG. 53) to transfer heat from the electrical component 10134 and radiate it into the couplant in the manifold 5302. In embodiments, the cooling plate 10124 may be thermally coupled to the couplant manifold 5302 to transfer heat from the couplant in the manifold 5302 and radiate it into the ambient environment.

[0812] In embodiments, the inspection robot may include a conduit 10128 that provides coolant to the electrical component 10134, wherein heat is transferred 10218 from the electrical component to the coolant. In embodiments, the coolant may be the couplant. In embodiments, the coolant may be distinct from the couplant. In embodiments, the coolant may be water, alcohol, glycol, and combinations thereof. In embodiments where the coolant is the couplant, the conduit 10128 may be fluidly connected to the couplant manifold 5302. In embodiments, wherein the coolant is the couplant, the conduit 10128 may direct the couplant to the sleds 10118 to promote acoustic coupling of at least a portion of the sensors to the inspection surface. In embodiments, a flow rate of the coolant may be adjusted 10224 in response to a heat transfer requirement of the electrical component 10134. For example, if the electrical component 10134 is increasing in temperature, the flow rate of the coolant may be increased to so that more coolant passes through the conduit 10128 thereby increasing the transfer rate of heat from the electrical component 10134 to the coolant. Conversely, if the electrical component 10134 is not at risk from malfunctioning due to excessive heat, the flow rate of the coolant may be reduced to conserve the coolant and/or energy in transporting the coolant to the inspection robot.

[0813] In embodiments, the conduit 10128 may be fluidly connected to a tether 10130 that provides the coolant and/or other services 10228, e.g., electrical power, data communications, provision and/or recycling of coolant and/or couplant. In such embodiments, the tether 10130 may be connected to a coolant source, e.g., base station 10302 (FIG. 104), that supplies the coolant and, optionally, cools the coolant. In some embodiments, the coolant may be cycled/recycled 10222 between the inspection robot and a coolant source, e.g., the base station 10302, via the tether 10130. As will be appreciated, recycling coolant and/or couplant may reduce the costs of operating the inspection robot. In embodiments, the tether 10130 may have a heat resistant jacketing 10132, e.g., silicone rubber and/or other heat resistant materials.

[0814] In embodiments, the sleds 10118 may include polyetherimide (PEI). In such embodiments, the sleds 10118 may be additively manufactured. As will be appreciated, polyetherimide provides for the sleds 10118 to be exposed to surface temperatures of at least 250° F. without structural failures.

[0815] Accordingly, in operation, an inspection robot having one or more of the hazardous environment features disclosed herein may be operated 10202 on the inspection surface 500 so as to interrogate 10204 the inspection surface with the sensors 101020 to generate inspection data. Refined data may be determined 10208 based at least in part on the generated inspection data. The inspection surface 500, or its environment, may expose 10210, the heat resistant magnet 10122 to temperatures below 260° F. As will be appreciated, the ability of an inspection robot, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein, to operate in such temperatures may provide for a plant, e.g., a power plant, corresponding to the inspection surface to maintain operations 10212 during an inspection run by the inspection robot. In embodiments, the inspection run may be performed during a warmup and/or cooldown period 10214 of the plant. By providing for the ability to perform an inspection run without disrupting a plant's operations, some embodiments of the inspection robot may improve the plant overall efficiency by reducing and/or eliminating down downtime of the plant traditionally associated with performing inspections on the inspection surface.

[0816] In an embodiment, and referring to FIG. 105 and FIG. 106, a system 10400 may include an inspection robot 10402 comprising a chassis 10414, a payload 10404; at least one arm 10406, wherein each arm 10406 is pivotally mounted to a payload 10404; at least two sleds 10408, wherein each sled 10408 is mounted to the at least one arm 10406; a plurality of inspection sensors 10410, each of the inspection sensors 10410 coupled to one of the sleds 10408 such that each sensor is operationally couplable to an inspection surface 10412, wherein the at least one arm is horizontally moveable relative to a corresponding payload 10404; and a tether 10416 including an electrical power conduit 10506 operative to provide electrical power; and a working fluid conduit 10504 operative to provide a working fluid. In an embodiment, the working fluid may be a couplant and the working fluid conduit 10504 may be structured to fluidly communicate with at least one sled 10408 to provide for couplant communication via the couplant between an inspection sensor 10410 mounted to the at least one sled 10408 and the inspection surface 10412. In an embodiment, the couplant provides acoustic communication between the inspection sensor and the inspection surface. In an embodiment, the couplant does not perform work (W). In an embodiment, the working fluid conduit 10504 has an inner diameter 10512 of about one eighth of an inch. In an embodiment, the tether 10502 may have an approximate length selected from a list consisting of: 4 feet, 6 feet, 10 feet, 15 feet, 24 feet, 30 feet, 34 feet, 100 feet, 150 feet, 200 feet, or longer than 200 feet. In an embodiment, the working fluid may be at least one of: a paint; a cleaning solution; and a repair solution. In certain embodiments, the working fluid additionally or alternatively is utilized to cool electronic components of the inspection robot, for example by being passed through a cooling plate in thermal communication with the electronic components to be cooled. In certain embodiments, the working fluid is utilized as a cooling fluid in addition to performing other functions for the inspection robot (e.g., utilized as a couplant for sensors). In certain embodiments, a portion of the working fluid may be recycled to the base station and/or purged (e.g., released from the inspection robot and/or payload), allowing for a greater flow rate of the cooling fluid through the cooling plate than is required for other functions in the system such as providing sensor coupling.

[0817] It should be understood that any operational fluid of the inspection robot 10402 may be a working fluid. The tether 10416 may further include a couplant conduit 10510 operative to provide a couplant. The system 10400 may further include a base station 10418, wherein the tether 10416 couples the inspection robot 10402 to the base station 10418. In an embodiment, the base station 10418 may include a controller 10430; and a lower power output electrically coupled to each of the electrical power conduit 10506 and the controller 10430, wherein the controller 10430 may be structured to determine whether the inspection robot 10402 is connected to the tether 10416 in response to an electrical output of the lower power output. In embodiments, the electrical output may be at least 18 Volts DC. In an embodiment, the controller 10430 may be further structured to determine whether an overcurrent condition exists on the tether 10416 based on an electrical output of the lower power output. The tether 10502 may further include a communication conduit 10508 operative to provide a communication link, wherein the communication conduit 10508 comprises an optical fiber or a metal wire. Since fiber is lighter than metal for communication lines, the tether 10502 can be longer for vertical climbs because it weighs less. A body of the tether 10502 may include at least one of: a strain relief 10420; a heat resistant jacketing 10514; a wear resistant outer layer 10516; and electromagnetic shielding 10518. In embodiments, the tether 10502 may include similar wear materials. In embodiments, the sizing of the conduits 10504, 10506, 10508, 10510 may be based on power requirements, couplant flow rate, recycle flow rate, or the like.

[0818] In an embodiment, and referring to FIG. 107, a method may include performing an inspection of an inspection surface 10602; providing power to an inspection robot through a shared tether 10604; and providing a working fluid to the inspection robot through the shared tether 10606. The method may further include providing the working fluid between an inspection sensor and the inspection surface wherein the working fluid is a couplant. The method may further include painting the inspection surface 10608, wherein providing the working fluid comprises providing a paint. The method may further include cleaning the inspection surface 10610, wherein providing the working fluid comprises providing a cleaning solution. The method may further include repairing the inspection surface 10612, wherein providing the working fluid comprises providing a repair solution. The method may further include electrically communicating between the inspection robot and a base station via the shared tether 10614. The method may further include providing a low power voltage to an electrical connection between the inspection robot and the base station 10616; monitoring the electrical connection 10618; verifying the electrical connection between the inspection robot and the base station 10620; and determining a connection status value for in response to the verified electrical connection 10622. The method may further include selectively engaging, in response to the connection status value, a high power voltage to the electrical connection 10624. The method may further include determining a tether fault value 10626; and selectively engaging, in response to the tether fault value, a higher power output to the shared tether 10628. In embodiments, the tether fault value may be in response to a fault condition, wherein the fault condition comprises a member selected from a list consisting of an overcurrent condition, and a short circuit. In certain embodiments, the method may further include checking for an off-nominal electrical condition, such as the appearance of a high resistance value, noise on the electrical connection, an increasing or decreasing voltage or resistance, or the like, to determine the connection status value. In certain embodiments, the electrical connection may include separate electrical conduits for the low power voltage and/or the high power voltage, and/or both power voltages may be communicated on a same electrical conduit. In certain embodiments, the method includes powering only a portion of the inspection robot, such as low voltage devices, low power devices, and/or low capacitance devices, before the electrical connection is verified. In certain embodiments, the method includes charging capacitive devices with the low power voltage before connecting the high power voltage, and may further include powering one or more high power devices before the high power voltage is connected, for example after verifying the electrical connection. The description herein utilizes a low power voltage and a high power voltage, however it will be understood that the low power voltage may include an otherwise restricted electrical power source, such as a power source having a low current capability, a power source having a resistor in-line with the connection, or the like. Accordingly, while the low power voltage has a voltage lower than the high power voltage in certain embodiments, the low power voltage may additionally or alternatively include a separate restriction or protective feature, and in certain embodiments the low power voltage may have a similar voltage, the same voltage, or a voltage that is a significant fraction (e.g., 25%, 50%, 75%, etc.) of the voltage of the high power voltage.

[0819] In an embodiment, and referring to FIG. 105 and FIG. 106, a tether 10502 for connecting an inspection robot 10402 to a base station 10418 may include an electrical power conduit 10506 comprising an electrically conductive material; a working fluid conduit 10504 defining a working fluid passage therethrough; a base station interface 10432 positioned at a first end of the tether 10416, the base station interface operable to couple the tether 10416 to a base station 10418; a robot interface 10434 positioned at a second end of the tether, the robot interface operable to couple the tether 10416 to the inspection robot 10402; a strain relief 10420; a wear resistance coating 10516; and electromagnetic shielding 10518. The tether may further include a communication conduit 10508, wherein the communication conduit 10508 may include an optical fiber or a metal wire. The electrical power conduit 10506 may further include a communications conduit 10508. In an embodiment, the working fluid conduit 10504 may have an inner diameter 10512 of about one eighth of an inch.

[0820] Turning now to FIG. 108, an example system for powering an inspection robot 100 (FIG. 1) is depicted. The example inspection robot 100 includes any inspection robot having a number of sensors associated therewith and configured to inspect a selected area. Without limitation to any other aspect of the present disclosure, an inspection robot 100 as set forth throughout the present disclosure, including any features or characteristics thereof, is contemplated for the example system depicted in FIG. 95. In certain embodiments, the inspection robot 100 may have one or more payloads 2 (FIG. 1) and may include one or more sensors 2202 (FIG. 5) on each payload.

[0821] Operations of the inspection robot 100 provide the sensors 2202 in proximity to selected locations of the inspection surface 500 and collect associated data, thereby interrogating the inspection surface 500. Interrogating, as utilized herein, includes any operations to collect data associated with a given sensor, to perform data collection associated with a given sensor (e.g., commanding sensors, receiving data values from the sensors, or the like), and/or to determine data in response to information provided by a sensor (e.g., determining values, based on a model, from sensor data; converting sensor data to a value based on a calibration of the sensor reading to the corresponding data; and/or combining data from one or more sensors or other information to determine a value of interest). A sensor 2202 may be any type of sensor as set forth throughout the present disclosure, but includes at least a UT sensor, an EMI sensor (e.g., magnetic induction or the like), a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor (e.g., infrared, visual spectrum, and/or ultra-violet), a visual sensor (e.g., a camera, pixel grid, or the like), or combinations of these.

[0822] The example system may include a base station 4902 (also shown in FIG. 49) and/or a tether (e.g. reference FIG. 105, element 10416). In embodiments, the system may also include the inspection robot 100.

[0823] The tether may include a high-voltage power line (e.g., a first conduit, reference FIG. 106), and/or a proximity line (e.g., a second conduit, reference FIG. 106). The high-voltage power line and the proximity line may be separate conduits within the tether, or may be a shared conduit within the tether. As explained herein, the tether may couple the inspection robot 100 to the base station 4902 for the provision of electrical power, couplant, data communications and/or other services from the base station 4902 (or other devices in communication with the base station 4902) to the inspection robot 100. As shown in FIG. 106, the tether may include multiple conduits for transporting electrical power, communications, couplant, and/or other services. As will be explained in greater detail below, the proximity line provides for the testing of the connection between the base station 4902 and the inspection robot 100 over the tether via a low voltage and/or current signal.

[0824] The example base station 4902 has a number of circuits configured to functionally perform operations of the base station 4902 as described herein. For example, the base station 4902 may include a high-voltage protection and monitoring circuit 5020 (also shown in FIG. 50), a voltage switch circuit 10702, a fuse 10704, a couplant pressure control circuit 10706 and/or a high voltage source 10708. In embodiments, the base station 4902 may include one or more power electronic components 10712 and 10714. In embodiments, the base station 4902 may include an AC power/current input 10716 interface. In embodiments, the base station 4902 may further include a low-voltage direct current (DC) output. The example base station 4902 may additionally or alternatively include aspects of any other base station, controller, circuit, and/or similar device as described throughout the present disclosure. Aspects of example circuits may be embodied as one or more computing devices, computer-readable instructions configured to perform one or more operations of a circuit upon execution by a processor, one or more sensors, one or more actuators, and/or communications infrastructure (e.g., routers, servers, network infrastructure, or the like). Further details of the operations of certain circuits associated with the base station 4902 are set forth, without limitation, in the portion of the disclosure referencing FIGS. 108 and 109.

[0825] The example base station 4902 is depicted schematically in FIG. 108 as a single device for clarity of description, but the base station 4902 may be a single device, a distributed device, and/or may include portions at least partially positioned with other devices in the system (e.g., on the inspection robot 100). In certain embodiments, the base station 4902 may be at least partially positioned on a computing device associated with an operator of the inspection robot (not shown), such as a local computer at a facility including the inspection surface 500, a laptop, and/or a mobile device. In certain embodiments, the base station may alternatively or additionally be at least partially positioned on a computing device that is remote to the inspection operations, such as on a web-based computing device, a cloud computing device, a communicatively coupled device, or the like.

[0826] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 108, the high-voltage protection and monitoring circuit 5020 interrogates the proximity line and interprets proximity line data 10713 to generate a connection integrity value 10710. The proximity line data 10713 may represent a voltage and/or current value where the existence of a voltage and/or current indicates that the tether and/or connections, e.g., power, couplant, communication data, etc., likely have good integrity, e.g., no breaks. In embodiments, the connection integrity value 10710 may be a state variable, e.g., “GOOD” or “BAD”. In embodiments, the connection integrity value 10710 may have a range of values, e.g., “GOOD”, “LIKELY-GOOD”, “LIKELY BAD”, “BAD”. In embodiments, the connection integrity value 10710 may be a numeric value e.g., a scale of one (1) to ten (10). While the foregoing example distinguishes the proximity line from the high-voltage power line, it will be understood that, in embodiments, the high-voltage power line and the proximity line may be the same. For example, in embodiments, a low-voltage and/or current may be carried over the high-voltage line to test the integrity of the tether before transporting high-voltage electrical power over the high-voltage line.

[0827] The voltage switch circuit 10702 connects the high-voltage power source 10708 to the high-voltage power line of the tether based at least in part on the connection integrity value 10710. In other words, in embodiments, the voltage switch circuit 10702 allows high-voltage electrical power to flow from the base station 4902 to the inspection robot 100 after the connection across the tether has been checked as being acceptable. In embodiments, the voltage switch circuit 10702 may include one or more solenoids and/or other devices suitable for completing a high-voltage connection.

[0828] The high-voltage power source 10708 is operative to provide high-voltage power and/or electrical current to the inspection robot 100. For example, in embodiments, the high-voltage power source 10708 may provide a voltage greater than or equal to 24V, 42V, and/or 60V. In embodiments, the high-voltage power source 10708 may provide a voltage in a range of 350 volts to 400 volts, 300 to 350 volts, 320-325 volts and/or any other range suitable for powering the inspection robot 100. In embodiments, the high-voltage power source 10708 may be disposed in the base station 4902. In embodiments, the high-voltage power source 10708 may be disposed apart from the base station 4902. For example, the high-voltage source 10708 may be local to the site of the inspection surface 500, e.g., a local power outlet.

[0829] In embodiments, the base station 4902 may receive an alternating current input at the AC power interface 10716. In such embodiments, the first power electronics component 10712 may provide the high voltage power source 10708 from the alternating current input, and/or the second power electronics component 10714 may provide the low-voltage direct current output 10718 from the alternating current input 10716. In embodiments, the power electronics components 10712 and 10714 may include one or more rectifiers, signal conditioners and/or other various components for converting AC power into conditioned DC voltages and/or currents. The AC power interface 10716 may receive an AC source having a voltage in the range of 100-240 VAC, e.g., 110 VAC, 115 VAC, 120 VAC, 220 and/or VAC 240 VAC.

[0830] In embodiments, the high-voltage protection and monitoring circuit 5020 may interrogate the proximity line utilizing the low-voltage direct current output 10718. For example, in embodiments, the high-voltage protection and monitoring circuit 5020 may generate the connection integrity value 10710 by connecting the low-voltage direct current output 10718 to the proximity line and comparing a measured drop in power over the proximity line with an anticipated power drop value.

[0831] The low-voltage direct current output 10718 may output a DC current below about 60V, below about 42V, at about 24V, and/or at about 12V. In embodiments, the proximity line completes a full circuit that runs the entire length of the tether where the high-voltage protection and monitoring circuit 5020 tests the voltage across the starting and the terminal ends of the proximity line. By detecting a voltage across the ends of the proximity line, the high-voltage protection and monitoring circuit 5020 can determine whether the integrity of the tether and/or the connection is good or not, and if good, set the connection integrity value 10710 accordingly.

[0832] In embodiments, a drive motor (e.g., reference FIG. 151) in a drive module 4912 (FIG. 49) of the inspection robot 100 may include a power rating that exceeds a combined gravitational force on the inspection robot and the tether. In other words, the drive motors of some embodiments require enough electrical power to transport the weight of the inspection robot 100, the tether and the couplant flowing in the robot 100 and tether, up a vertical face of an inspection surface 500. In embodiments, the inspection surface 500 may have at least one portion with vertical extent greater than or equal to 6 feet, 12 feet, 20 feet, 34 feet, 50 feet, 100 feet, and/or 200 feet.

[0833] In embodiments, the fuse 10704 may be operative to protect against current overload and/or shock to the base station 4902 and/or the inspection robot 100. For example, the fuse 10704 may be disposed in line with a high-voltage power line. In embodiments, the fuse 10704 may be a solid-state fuse controllable to open at a selected current value (e.g., determined according to the tether wire size, rating of components in the inspection robot, etc.). In the event that the electrical power on the high-voltage power line exceeds the rating of the fuse 10704 and/or a selected current value for controller the solid state fuse, the fuse 10704 will trip, thereby interrupting the flow of high-voltage electrical power on the high-voltage power line. As such, in embodiments, the high-voltage protection and monitoring circuit may reset the solid state fuse 10704 based on a reset command 10714. The reset command 10714 may be received from a remote operator over a communication channel. In embodiments, the reset command 10714 may be responsive to a physical reset procedure on the inspection robot 100, base station 4902 and/or tether. The physical reset procedure may include the pressing of a button, the flipping of a switch, replacement of the fuse 10704, provision of a reset command to a controller operable when the fuse is open, and/or any other suitable process for resetting a fuse.

[0834] In embodiments, the tether further includes a couplant line coupled to a couplant source 10720 at a first end, and to the inspection robot at a second end. The couplant source 10720 may be included in the base station 4902 or be disposed apart from the base station. In certain embodiments, the couplant source 10720 may include a couplant pump 10722 fluidly interposed between a couplant reservoir 10724 and the first end of the couplant line. In embodiments, the couplant reservoir may be a mobile tank storing couplant. In embodiments, the couplant reservoir 10724 may be located at the site of the inspection surface, e.g., a water tower. In embodiments, the couplant reservoir 10724 may be disposed in the couplant source 10720. In embodiments, the couplant pressure control circuit 1708 may be coupled to the couplant pump 10722 and regulate the flow of the couplant from the reservoir 10724 and through the tether to the inspection robot 100.

[0835] Turning to FIG. 109, a method for powering an inspection robot 100 (FIG. 1) is shown. The method may include receiving 10802 AC electrical current, transforming 10804 the AC electrical current into high-voltage DC current, determining 10806 a robot presence value, and, in response to the determined presence value, transmitting 10816 the high-voltage DC current to the inspection robot. In embodiments, determining 10806 a robot presence value may include providing 10808 a low-current direct current voltage to a first end of a proximity line. In embodiments, determining 10806 a robot presence value may include measuring 10810 a voltage drop at a second end of a proximity line. In embodiments, determining 10806 a robot presence value may include comparing 10812 the measured voltage drop to an anticipated voltage drop value. In embodiments, the method may include providing 10818 the high-voltage DC electricity to a drive module 4912 of the inspection robot 100. In embodiments, the method may include setting 10818 a connection alarm value based on the robot presence value.

[0836] Turning now to FIG. 110, an example base station 4902 for a system for managing couplant for an inspection robot 100 (FIG. 1) is depicted. The example inspection robot 100 includes any inspection robot having a number of sensors associated therewith and configured to inspect a selected area. Without limitation to any other aspect of the present disclosure, an inspection robot 100 as set forth throughout the present disclosure, including any features or characteristics thereof, is contemplated for the example system depicted in FIG. 110. In certain embodiments, the inspection robot 100 may have one or more payloads 2 (FIG. 1) and may include one or more sensors 2202 (FIG. 5) on each payload.

[0837] Operations of the inspection robot 100 provide the sensors 2202 in proximity to selected locations of the inspection surface 500 and collect associated data, thereby interrogating the inspection surface 500. Interrogating, as utilized herein, includes any operations to collect data associated with a given sensor, to perform data collection associated with a given sensor (e.g., commanding sensors, receiving data values from the sensors, or the like), and/or to determine data in response to information provided by a sensor (e.g., determining values, based on a model, from sensor data; converting sensor data to a value based on a calibration of the sensor reading to the corresponding data; and/or combining data from one or more sensors or other information to determine a value of interest). A sensor 2202 may be any type of sensor as set forth throughout the present disclosure, but includes at least a UT sensor, an EMI sensor (e.g., magnetic induction or the like), a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor (e.g., infrared, visual spectrum, and/or ultra-violet), a visual sensor (e.g., a camera, pixel grid, or the like), or combinations of these.

[0838] As shown in FIG. 110, the example system may include a base station 4902 (e.g., reference FIG. 49) and/or a tether (e.g. reference FIG. 105, element 10416). In embodiments, the system may also include the inspection robot 100 to include one or more payloads 2, one or more output couplant interfaces 11602 (FIG. 113) disposed on a chassis of the inspection robot 100, and/one or more sensors 2202.

[0839] The tether may include a high-voltage power line, and/or a proximity line. As explained herein, the tether may couple the inspection robot 100 to the base station 4902 for the provision of electrical power, couplant, data communications and/or other services from the base station 4902 (or other devices in communication with the base station 4902) to the inspection robot 100. As shown in FIG. 106, the tether may include multiple conduits for transporting electrical power, communications, couplant and/or other services.

[0840] The example base station 4902 may include a couplant pump 11304, a couplant reservoir 11306, a radiator 11308, a couplant temperature sensor 11310, a couplant pressure sensor 11312, a couplant flow rate sensor 11316, other couplant sensor 11314, and/or an external couplant interface 11318. As shown in FIG. 111, embodiments of the base station 4902 may also include a number of circuits configured to functionally perform operations of the base station 4902 as described herein. For example, the base station 4902 may include an external couplant evaluation circuit 11102 (FIG. 111). The example base station 4902 may additionally or alternatively include aspects of any other base station, controller, circuit, and/or similar device as described throughout the present disclosure. Aspects of example circuits may be embodied as one or more computing devices, computer-readable instructions configured to perform one or more operations of a circuit upon execution by a processor, one or more sensors, one or more actuators, and/or communications infrastructure (e.g., routers, servers, network infrastructure, or the like). Further details of the operations of certain circuits associated with the base station 4902 are set forth, without limitation, in the portion of the disclosure referencing FIGS. 110-115.

[0841] The example base station 4902 is depicted schematically in FIGS. 110 and 111 as a single device for clarity of description, but the base station 4902 may be a single device, a distributed device, and/or may include portions at least partially positioned with other devices in the system (e.g., on the inspection robot 100). In certain embodiments, the base station 4902 may be at least partially positioned on a computing device associated with an operator of the inspection robot (not shown), such as a local computer at a facility including the inspection surface 500, a laptop, and/or a mobile device. In certain embodiments, the base station 4902 may alternatively or additionally be at least partially positioned on a computing device that is remote to the inspection operations, such as on a web-based computing device, a cloud computing device, a communicatively coupled device, or the like.

[0842] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 110 and 111, the external couplant interface 11318 may receive external couplant from an external source, e.g., a water spigot. The external couplant evaluation circuit 11402 may interpret couplant sensor data 11414 and determine an external couplant status value 11406 which may be representative of a characteristic of the couplant at the external couplant interface 11318. The characteristic may be a flow rate 11408, a temperature 11412, a pressure 11410 and/or any other measurable property of the couplant. The characteristic may be sensed by one or more of the temperature sensor 11310, pressure sensor 11312, flow rate sensor 11316 and/or other sensors 11314 suitable for measuring other characteristics of the external couplant.

[0843] In embodiments, the couplant pump 11304 may pump the couplant from the external couplant interface 11318 through the couplant line of the tether in response to the external couplant status value 11406. The couplant pump 11304 may be adjusted to control pressure and/or flow rate of the couplant. For example, the external couplant evaluation circuit 11402 may have a target set of couplant parameters, e.g., temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc., that the couplant evaluation circuit 11402 may attempt to condition the external couplant towards prior to transferring the external couplant to the tether for transport to the inspection robot 100.

[0844] In embodiments, the radiator 11308 may thermally couple at least a portion of the couplant prior to the tether to an ambient environment. The radiator 11308 may include one or more coils and/or plates through which the couplant flows. In embodiments, the radiator 11308 may be a counter flow radiator where a working fluid is moved in the reverse direction of the flow of the couplant and absorbs thermal energy from the couplant.

[0845] In embodiments, the external couplant evaluation circuit 11402 may determine a temperature of the external couplant and provide a cooling command 11404 in response to the temperature of the external couplant. In such embodiments, the radiator 11308 may be responsive to the cooling command 11404. For example, if the external couplant evaluation circuit 11402 determines that the temperature of external couplant is too high, the cooling command 11404 may facilitate cooling of the couplant via the radiator. As will be understood, some embodiments may include a heating element to heat the couplant in the event that the external couplant evaluation circuit 11402 determines that a temperature of the external couplant is too cold to effectively couple the sensors 2202 to the inspection surface 500.

[0846] In embodiments the inspection robot 100 may include a couplant manifold (e.g., reference FIG. 189 and/or FIG. 53) and one or more output couplant interfaces 11602. The inspection robot 100 may include one or more payloads 2 each operably couplable to the output couplant interfaces 11602 and comprising a plurality of acoustic sensors 2202 utilizing the couplant to enable contact between each of the plurality of acoustic sensors 2202 and a corresponding object being inspected, e.g., in inspection surface 500.

[0847] As shown in FIG. 112, in embodiments, at least one of the inspection payloads 2 includes a couplant evaluation circuit 11502 that provides a couplant status value 11504. The couplant status value 11504 may include a characteristic of the couplant, e.g., a flow rate 11506, a pressure 11508, a temperature 11510 and/or other characteristics suitable for managing couplant within the payload 2. The couplant status value 11504 may be based at least in part on couplant sensor data 11512 interpreted by the couplant evaluation circuit 11202.

[0848] Moving to FIG. 113, each output couplant interface 11602 may include a flow control circuit 11604 structured to control a payload couplant parameter 11608 of the couplant flowing to each of the at least one inspection payloads 2. The payload couplant parameter 11608 may be determined in response to the couplant status value 11504 for a corresponding payload 2. In embodiments, the payload couplant parameter 11608 may be a characteristic of the couplant flowing to a payload 2, e.g., a pressure 11612, flow rate 11610, temperature 11614 and/or any other characteristic suitable for managing the couplant to the payloads 2.

[0849] Turning to FIG. 114, in embodiments, each of the plurality of acoustic sensors 2202 may include a sensor couplant evaluation circuit 11702 that provides a sensor couplant status value 11706. In embodiments, the sensor couplant status value 11706 may include a characteristic of the couplant, e.g., flow rate 11708, pressure 11710, temperature 11712 and/or any other characteristic suitable for managing flow of the couplant. The sensor couplant status value 11706 may be based at least in part on a couplant status value 11722 interpreted by the sensor couplant evaluation circuit 11702. The couplant status value 11722 may include a characteristic of the couplant flowing to the sensor 2202 from the payload 2, e.g., pressure, flow rate, temperature and/or any other characteristic suitable for managing the couplant to the payloads 2.

[0850] In embodiments, each of the plurality of acoustic sensors 2202 may include a sensor flow control circuit 11704 operative to control a sensor couplant parameter 11714 of the couplant flowing to a corresponding one of the plurality of acoustic sensors 2202. The sensor couplant parameter 11714 may include a characteristic of the couplant, e.g., flow rate 11716, pressure 11718, temperature 11720 and/or any other characteristic suitable for managing flow of the couplant. In embodiments, the sensor flow control circuit 11704 may control the sensor couplant parameter 11714 in response to the sensor couplant status value 11706 for the corresponding acoustic sensor 2202.

[0851] Accordingly, in operation according to certain embodiments, external couplant is received from an external couplant source at the external couplant interface 11818 of the base station 4902. The base station 4902 may then condition the couplant, e.g., control temperature, pressure and/or flow rate, and pump the couplant to the chassis of the inspection robot 100 via the tether. The couplant may then be received by a reservoir and/or a manifold on the chassis of the inspection robot 100 where it may be further conditioned and distributed to the payloads 2 via the output couplant interfaces 11602. Each payload 2 may then receive and further condition the couplant before distributing the couplant to the sensors 2220. The sensors 2202, in turn, may further condition the couplant prior to introducing the couplant into the coupling chamber. As will be appreciated, conditioning the couplant at multiple points along its path from the couplant source to the coupling chamber provides for greater control over the couplant. Further, having multiple conditioning points for the couplant provides for the ability to tailor the couplant to the needs of individual payloads 2 and/or sensors 2202, which in turn, may provide for improved efficiency in the quality of acquired data by the sensors 2202. For example, a first payload 2 of the inspection robot 100 may be positioned over a portion of the inspection surface that is bumpier than another portion which a second payload 2 of the inspection robot 100 may be positioned over. Accordingly, embodiments of the system for managing couplant, as described herein, may increase the flow rate of couplant to the first payload independently of the flow rate to the second payload. As will be understood, other types of couplant characteristics may be controlled independently across the payloads 2 and/or across the sensor 2202.

[0852] Illustrated in FIG. 115 is a method for managing couplant for an inspection robot 100. The method may include receiving couplant 11802, transporting 11810 the couplant to the inspection robot 100 and utilizing 11818 the couplant to facilitate contact between an acoustic sensor 2202 of a payload 2 and a corresponding object, e.g., inspection surface 500, being inspected by the inspection robot 100. In embodiments, the method may include evaluating 11804 an incoming couplant characteristic, e.g., a pressure, a flow rate, a temperature, and/or other characteristics suitable for managing the couplant. In embodiments, the method may further include selective rejecting heat 11806 from the received couplant before the transporting the couplant through the tether to the inspection robot 100. In embodiments, the method may include pumping 11808 the couplant through the tether and/or transporting 11810 the couplant through the tether to the inspection robot 100. The method may further include transporting 11812 the couplant from the chassis of the inspection robot 100 to one or more payload 2. In embodiments, the method may further include controlling 11814 a couplant characteristic to the payload 2. The couplant characteristic controlled to the payload 2 may be a pressure, temperature, flow rate and/or other characteristic suitable for managing the couplant. In embodiments, the method may further include controlling 11816 a couplant characteristic to a coupling chamber positioned between the acoustic sensor and the corresponding object. The couplant characteristic controller to the coupling chamber may be a pressure, temperature, flow rate and/or other characteristic suitable for managing the couplant. In embodiments, the method may further include utilizing 11818 couplant to facilitate contact between sensors and object being inspected.

[0853] Turning now to FIG. 116, a method for coupling drive assemblies to an inspection robot 100 (FIG. 1) is depicted. The example inspection robot 100 includes any inspection robot having a number of sensors associated therewith and configured to inspect a selected area. Without limitation to any other aspect of the present disclosure, an inspection robot 100 as set forth throughout the present disclosure, including any features or characteristics thereof, is contemplated for the example methods depicted in FIGS. 116-118. In certain embodiments, the inspection robot 100 may have one or more payloads 2 (FIG. 1) and may include one or more sensors 2202 (FIG. 5) on each payload. In embodiments, the inspection robot 100 may have one or more modular drive assemblies/modules 4918.

[0854] Operations of the inspection robot 100 provide the sensors 2202 in proximity to selected locations of the inspection surface 500 and collect associated data, thereby interrogating the inspection surface 500. Interrogating, as utilized herein, includes any operations to collect data associated with a given sensor, to perform data collection associated with a given sensor (e.g., commanding sensors, receiving data values from the sensors, or the like), and/or to determine data in response to information provided by a sensor (e.g., determining values, based on a model, from sensor data; converting sensor data to a value based on a calibration of the sensor reading to the corresponding data; and/or combining data from one or more sensors or other information to determine a value of interest). A sensor 2202 may be any type of sensor as set forth throughout the present disclosure, but includes at least a UT sensor, an EMI sensor (e.g., magnetic induction or the like), a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor (e.g., infrared, visual spectrum, and/or ultra-violet), a visual sensor (e.g., a camera, pixel grid, or the like), or combinations of these.

[0855] Referencing FIG. 120, a modular drive assembly 4918 may include a body 11940, at least two wheels 11942 and 11944 mounted to the body 11940, and/or a connector (e.g., reference FIG. 125). As shown in FIG. 125, the connector may include an electrical interface (e.g., 12810) and a mechanical interface (e.g., 12802, 12804). The electrical interface electrically communicates with a control module 802 of the inspection robot 100 and the mechanical interface releasably couples to the body 11940 to a chassis of the inspection robot 100. In embodiments, the drive assembly 4918 may include one or more drive motors 11946 and 11948 coupled to the wheels 11942 and 11944, e.g., via drive shafts 11950. As will be understood, in embodiments, each drive motor 11946 and 11948 are independently controllable. In other words, drive motor 11946 is controllably independently of drive motor 11948.

[0856] In embodiments, the wheels 11942 and/or 11944 may be magnetic, and the drive motors 11946 and 11948 may be shielded from electromagnetic interference arising from the wheels 11942 and/or 11944. Shielding of the drive motors 11946 and/or 11948 may be provided by shielding assemblies (e.g., shield 5508, reference FIG. 55).

[0857] In embodiments, the drive assembly 4918 may include one or more encoders, which may be a sensor (e.g., an electromagnetic based sensor such as a Hall effect sensor) positioned in proximity to the drive motor (e.g., on top of drive motor 11946 such that the shield covers the sensor when installed), and/or a passive wheel and/or contact-based encoder 11952. The encoder(s) may be operative or provide a position of the inspection robot 100 (e.g., by providing distance and/or direction information of the inspection robot, which may be accumulated for a dead reckoning position determination, and/or combined with other position information to determine the position of the inspection robot). Accordingly, in embodiments, the encoders may provide for a relative position determination (e.g., along a portion of the inspection surface, relative to a baseline position, relative to a starting position, and/or travel since a last absolute position determination, a distance and/or direction based position, and/or a dead reckoning position of the inspection robot 100. In embodiments, the encoders may provide for an absolute position determination. An absolute position may be the position of the inspection robot 100 with respect to a known reference, e.g., the center of the inspection surface 500, a position within a defined facility coordinate system, and/or a global positioning system (GPS) coordinate. The relative and/or absolute positions may provide for cartesian, polar and/or spherical coordinates. For cartesian coordinates, all three axes, x, y and z, may be provided. In certain embodiments, the position (relative and/or absolute) may be determined according to any conceptualization of coordinate system and/or axes as set forth throughout the present disclosure.

[0858] In embodiments, the modular drive assembly 4918 may include a biasing assembly 11954 coupled to the encoder 11952, wherein the biasing assembly 11954 biases the encoder 11952 towards the inspection surface 500. In embodiments, the biasing assembly 11954 may include a spring, permanent magnet, electromagnet and/or other suitable devices. The example biasing assembly 11954 ensures contact of the passive encoder wheel with the inspection surface at least through a selected range of motion, allowing for accurate travel information from the coder in response to deviations in the inspection surface, slippage of a drive wheel of the drive module, or the like. Referencing FIG. 54A, 54B, an example articulation of the biasing assembly 11954 for an example encoder is depicted.

[0859] In embodiments, the modular drive assembly 4918 may include an encoder operatively coupled to one of the drive motors 11946 and/or 11948. As will be understood, the encoder may provide for a relative and/or absolute position of the inspection robot 100 by directly measuring the number of rotations of the wheels 11942 and/or 11944 coupled to the motors 11946 and/or 11948.

[0860] In embodiments, the modular drive assembly 4918 may include a payload actuator 6072 (FIG. 60) coupled to the body of the drive module at a first end 6074, and having a payload coupling interface at a second end 6076. In embodiments, the payload actuator 6072 adjusts a down force of a payload relative to an inspection surface 500, and/or is configured to raise and/or lower the payload.

[0861] Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 116 and 117, a first method may include selectively uncoupling a first mechanical interface 11902 and a first electrical interface 11904 of a first connector of a first modular drive assembly from a drive module interface of a chassis of the inspection robot 100. The method may further include selecting 11906 a second modular drive assembly having a second connector. In embodiments, the method may further include releasably coupling a second mechanical interface 11908 and a second electrical interface 11910 of the second connector to the drive module interface of the chassis of the inspection robot. The first and the second electrical interfaces may include electrical power and control connections for the respective modular drive assembly, and the first and second mechanical interfaces may mechanically couple the respective modular drive assembly. In embodiments, the first and the second modular drive assemblies each have at least two wheels positioned to be in contact with the inspection surface when the inspection robot is positioned on the inspection surface. In embodiments, at least one wheel of the second modular drive assembly has a different wheel configuration than at least one corresponding wheel of the first modular drive assembly. In embodiments, the first mechanical interface may include a first rotation limiter (e.g., reference FIGS. 64, 66A, and 66B), and/or wherein the second mechanical interface includes a second rotation limiter. In such embodiments, the method may further includes limiting 12002 a relative rotation/position of a connected modular drive assembly in response to the respective coupled rotation limiter.

[0862] In embodiments, the first mechanical interface includes a first translation limiter 6402 (reference FIG. 64), such as a piston stop, wherein the second mechanical interface includes a second translation limiter, e.g., a piston stop. In such embodiments, the method may further include limiting 12004 a relative translation of a connected modular drive assembly in response to the respective coupled translation limiter. In certain embodiments, only one, or neither, of the drive modules is coupled to the chassis with the ability to translate and/or rotate relative to the chassis.

[0863] In embodiments, the method my further include selectively controlling 12008 the second modular drive assembly in one of a first direction or a second direction. In embodiments, selectively controlling 12008 may include determining 12010 one of a coupled chassis side corresponding to the second modular drive assembly or a target movement direction of the inspection robot.

[0864] Turning to FIG. 118, another method includes releasably coupling 12102 an electrical interface and a mechanical interface of a modular drive assembly to a drive module interface of the inspection robot; positioning 12106 the inspection robot on the inspection surface, thereby engaging at least one wheel of the modular drive assembly with the inspection surface; and powering 12108 the modular drive assembly through the electrical interface, thereby controllably moving the inspection robot along the inspection surface. In embodiments, releasably coupling 12102 the electrical interface and the mechanical interface may include performing 12104 a single engagement operation. In embodiments, the method may further include limiting 12114 a relative rotation between the modular drive assembly and a chassis of the inspection robot through the mechanical interface. In embodiments, the method may further include limiting 12116 a translation movement between the modular drive assembly and a chassis of the inspection robot through the mechanical interface. In embodiment, the method may further include releasably coupling 12118 an electrical interface and a mechanical interface of a second modular drive assembly to a second drive module interface of the inspection robot. In such embodiments, the drive module interface may be positioned on a first side of a chassis of the inspection robot, and the second drive module interface may be positioned on a second side of the chassis of the inspection robot. In embodiments, controllably moving 12108 the inspection robot on the inspection surface may include independently driving 12110 the at least one wheel of the modular drive assembly and at least one wheel of the second modular drive assembly. In embodiments, the method may further include independently monitoring 12120 movement of the at least one wheel of the modular drive assembly and the at least one wheel of the second modular drive assembly. In embodiments, the method may further include determining 12122 a position of the inspection robot based at least in part on the monitored movements of the one or more wheels. In embodiments, the method may further include determining 12124 that at least one of the at least one wheel of the modular drive assembly and/or the at least one wheel of the second modular drive assembly is slipping with respect to the inspection surface based at least in part on the monitored movement of the one or more wheels. In embodiments, the method may further include determining 12126 a passive encoder output from a passive encoder associated with one of the modular drive assembly or the second modular drive assembly. In such embodiments, determining 12124 that at least one of the at least one wheel of the modular drive assembly or the at least one wheel of the second modular drive assembly is slipping with respect to the inspection surface may be based at least in part on the passive encoder output.