Apparatus, system, and methods for coupling tools to drill rigs

An apparatus comprising:

• a mounting platform having a first longitudinal axis, the mounting platform comprising:
• a base defining a first coupling feature;
• and
• a latch that is movably coupled to the base about and between a secured position and a release position, wherein the latch defines a first retention feature;
• an alignment device that is attachable to the mounting platform in known alignment with the mounting platform, alignment device having a second longitudinal axis, the alignment device comprising:
• a second coupling feature that extends along the second longitudinal axis, wherein the second coupling feature is configured for engagement with the first coupling feature by movement of the second coupling feature relative to the first coupling feature along the first longitudinal axis, wherein engagement between the first and second coupling features is configured to inhibit movement of the second coupling feature relative to the first coupling feature along an axis that is perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis;
• a second retention feature that is configured to cooperate with the first retention feature to inhibit movement of the second retention relative to the first retention feature along the axis that is perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis;
• and
• at least one sensor that is configured to provide a signal indicative of an orientation of the alignment device.