Controlling plasma arc processing systems and related systems and devices

A method of operating a plasma arc processing system with an autonomous motion device configured to move the plasma arc processing system relative to a workpiece, the method comprising:

• initiating a plasma arc from a torch tip of a plasma torch of the plasma arc processing system operably connected to the motion device, the plasma arc beginning a plasma processing operation on the workpiece;
• autonomously moving the motion device, the motion device supporting the plasma arc processing system, relative to the workpiece to perform the plasma processing operation along an intended processing path of the workpiece;
• monitoring the plasma processing operation using one or more sensors disposed on the motion device;
• updating one or more cutting parameters during the plasma processing operation based on feedback from the one or more sensors, the one or more cutting parameters not including torch positioning instructions;
• and
• extinguishing the plasma arc.

An autonomous plasma arc processing system comprising:

• a plasma torch power supply configured to generate a plasma arc;
• a plasma arc torch operably connected to the power supply;
• an autonomous pressurized gas source fluidly connected to the plasma arc torch;
• and
• an autonomous motion device operably connected to the plasma arc torch and supporting the power supply, the motion device comprising:
• a body to support the power supply and move relative to a workpiece;
• a torch holder connected to the body and configured to position a plasma arc torch tip of the plasma arc torch relative to a region of the workpiece to be processed;
• a drive system to translate the body supporting the power supply and torch autonomously relative to a surface of the workpiece during a plasma processing operation;
• a set of one or more sensors configured to monitor at least one characteristic of the plasma processing operation or the translation of the body relative to the workpiece;
• and
• a processor in communication with the drive system and configured to communicate with the power supply and the set of sensors, the processor being configured to receive feedback from the set of sensors to control the translation of the body relative to the workpiece and to update one or more cutting parameters during the plasma processing operation, the one or more cutting parameters not including torch positioning instructions.