Feedback control in robot-assisted wire arc additive manufacturing

Robot-assisted additive manufacturing processes, such as wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), which involve using a robotic welder to deposit metal wire layer by layer, hold tremendous potential for large-scale part manufacturing in energy, aerospace, and marine applications. While robotic arms with welders are readily available, current robot-assisted metals additive manufacturing processes are not fully automated. In this project, the student will use in-situ data from sensors such as pyrometers and cameras, along with welding supply data, to monitor the process and implement feedback control to adjust the processing conditions and maintain consistent part quality. The ideal candidate would have taken a feedback controls class and be very comfortable with programming and data analysis.