A remote controlled, tele-operated welder includes a multi-axis
robot arm, video cameras, sensors a specialized control
station that allows an operator to perform flood-fill
welding operations at a remote location to avoid the heat,
smoke and other environmental effects produced through typical flood-
welding operations. The operator accesses the
control unit (OCU) using a GUI and mouse, keyboard,
joystick, or other custom controls, and observe the piece via the cameras (visual, thermal, or other) placed in the
welding station via a feed displayed on the OCU display(s). Audio, video, and / or tactile feedback may be provided to indicate arm, welder, or other
system status, for collision warning and arm motion
singularity avoidance.
Augmented reality informational graphic / textual overlays may provide guidance to an operator, and the apparatus may further include the ability to repeat series of steps needed to
handle flood-weld on a given piece, repeatedly across many pieces.