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 has been developed that guarantees satisfying tracking results even when the welding gap geometry varies strongly or is distorted by noise.