System and Method for Performing an Automated Inspection Operation

A method of performing automated inspection operations across a surface of a workpiece, the method of performing automated inspection operations being implemented using a first inspection module having a first inspection end effector and being disposed on a platen surface of a platen fabricated from a magnetic material, wherein the first inspection module generates a first magnetic field biasing the first inspection module toward the platen surface, the method of performing automated inspection operations comprising:

• positioning the platen proximate a first portion of the surface of the workpiece;
• deploying the first inspection module over the platen surface using a first magnetic flux generated by the first inspection module;
• and
• performing, using the first inspection end effector, a first automated inspection operation on the first portion of the surface of the workpiece.

An inspection station for performing automated inspection operations across a surface of a workpiece, the inspection station comprising:

• a positioning apparatus;
• a platen fabricated from a magnetic material and having a platen surface, wherein the platen is mounted on the positioning apparatus and the positioning apparatus is operational to move the platen relative to the surface of the workpiece;
• a first inspection module disposed on the platen surface and having a first inspection end effector, wherein the first inspection module generates a first magnetic field that biases the first inspection module toward the platen, and is operable to generate a first magnetic flux to control movement of the first inspection module over the platen surface to perform a first automated inspection operation across the surface of the workpiece;
• a first inspection module controller coupled in communication with the first inspection module, the first inspection module controller configured to control the first magnetic flux generated by the first inspection module to move the first inspection module over the platen surface to perform the first automated inspection operation;
• a second inspection module disposed on the platen surface and having a second inspection end effector, wherein the second inspection module generates a second magnetic field that biases the second inspection module toward the platen, and is operable to generate a second magnetic flux to control movement of the second inspection module over the platen surface to perform a second automated inspection operation across the surface of the workpiece;
• and
• a second inspection module controller coupled in communication with the second inspection module, the second inspection module controller configured to control the second magnetic flux generated by the second inspection module to move the second inspection module over the platen surface to perform the second automated inspection operation.