Low-Cost System for Weld Tracking Based on Artificial Vision

A laser-stripe system for the automation of welding processes in heavy industries is presented. Conventional methods use human intervention. A new solution using only common usage computer components has been developed, offering at least the same quality of performance at a low price, making laser systems without human intervention attractive for cost sensitive applications in heavy industries. A new system that guarantees satisfactory tracking results even when the welding gap geometry varies strongly or is distorted by noise has been developed.