Kawasaki Robotics and Fives DyAG have developed a robotic weld inspection system built around Kawasaki's patented Pulseboard technology, claiming inspection speeds up to ten times faster than conventional robotic methods. The companies demonstrated the system live at Automate 2026 in Chicago.
Pulseboard, formally the Tool Tip Displacement Output Function, outputs real-time tool-tip displacement data that triggers image capture from a laser 3D profile camera based on the robot's actual position along the inspection path rather than fixed timing intervals. The base platform is a Kawasaki RS013N industrial robot. What's new here is the synchronization layer: conventional inspection systems require the robot to pause repeatedly to maintain positional accuracy during image capture, a cycle-time penalty that compounds on parts with intricate geometries or curved surfaces.
By tying image acquisition directly to tool-tip displacement, the system captures high-resolution scan data continuously through acceleration and deceleration phases. Defect positions map against that displacement record, improving localization accuracy compared to approaches that interpolate position between discrete capture points. The target markets are automotive, heavy equipment, energy, aerospace, and metal fabrication, where weld inspection throughput directly constrains line speed.
"It accelerates inspections, identifies defects, and maintains the highest level of quality without slowing or sacrificing production time," said Wade Rickard, CEO of Fives DyAG Corp. Fives DyAG brings industrial automation and inspection integration expertise to the partnership.
Pulseboard was one of several debuts at Automate 2026. Kawasaki also introduced the RL030N, an 8-axis robot it describes as the first designed specifically for Physical AI applications, powered by an open KRNX real-time control API compatible with ROS environments and external AI orchestration platforms. The BA013L arc welding robot and the MXP360L, rated for 360 kg payloads, also appeared for the first time at the show, which ran June 22 through 25 at McCormick Place.
