Seam-tracking based on dynamic trajectory planning for a mobile welding robot

A new seam-tracking method based on dynamic trajectory planning for a mobile welding robot is proposed in order to improve the response lag of the mobile robot and the high frequency oscillation in seam-tracking. By using a front-placed laser-based vision sensor to dynamically extract the location of the weld seam in front of torch, the trend and direction of the weld line is roughly obtained. The robot system autonomously and dynamically performs trajectory planning based on the isometric approximation model. Arc sensor technology is applied to detect the offset during welding process in real time. The dynamic compensation of the weld path is done in combination with the control of the mobile robot and the executive body installed on it. Simulated and experimental results demonstrate that the method effectively increases the stability of welding speed and smoothness of the weld track, and hence the weld formation in curves and corners is improved.