Robot guided inspection tasks can involve hundreds or even thousands of scan points across a part. Manually programming every robot movement for such tasks would require significant robotics expertise and a large amount of time. Automatic path planning addresses this challenge by generating the required robot motions automatically, allowing users to focus on inspection planning rather than manual robot programming.
In EDAS, automatic path planning means that the software calculates the robot trajectory needed to perform a measurement task. The user defines what should be measured by selecting features or surfaces on the CAD model and setting the scanning direction and sensor parameters. EDAS then calculates the robot poses and the motion between them so the measurement can be executed by the robot.
The workflow starts with the CAD model and the measurement definition. Once the relevant surfaces or features are selected, EDAS determines how the sensor must be positioned relative to the part. From these positions, the software automatically creates the robot trajectory that connects all scan positions into one continuous path.
To ensure safe operation, EDAS checks the generated robot path using simulation and collision detection. The system takes into account the robot kinematics, the CAD model of the part, the fixtures, and the geometry of the sensor or tool. If a collision or an unreachable position is detected, the system adjusts the path so that the motion can be executed safely.
EDAS 4.1 introduces a tilt parameter that allows the sensor to tilt relative to the scanned surface. Previously, the automatic path followed surfaces without adjusting the sensor angle, which sometimes made it difficult to capture data from inner geometries such as circles or cylinders. The tilt parameter allows EDAS to automatically adjust the sensor orientation and access these areas more easily.
Multi pass scanning means scanning the same area more than once using different paths or sensor orientations. In EDAS 4.1 this can be done by changing the tilt angle between passes. This approach helps capture surfaces that may be hidden or difficult to reach in a single scan and improves measurement coverage and point cloud density.
Pick on CAD allows users to select measurement positions directly on the CAD model while previewing the sensor and its orientation. Each selected position represents a target pose for the sensor. Automatic path planning then calculates the robot motion that connects these positions into a smooth measurement path.
EDAS supports dynamic adaptation when parts or fixtures change. Robot motions can be attached to parts, allowing movements to automatically follow the part when its position is updated. This reduces the need for manual reprogramming when fixture adjustments occur. However, changes can introduce validation issues such as unreachable poses or acceleration limits, which may require revalidation or adjustments to ensure the program remains executable.
Automatic path planning helps make robot guided inspection easier and more scalable. Instead of manually programming robot movements, users focus on defining what needs to be measured. EDAS then generates the robot motion automatically, reducing programming effort and making it easier to implement automated inspection workflows.
