System and method for installing nail plates in wooden structures

An autonomous system for installing nail plates in wooden structures, the autonomous system comprising:

• a mobile robot controlled by the autonomous system;
• and
• a C-clamp press attached to and operated by the mobile robot, wherein the C-clamp press comprises:
• a hydraulic cylinder operable to move a top plate relative to a stationary bottom plate;
• a coupler interposed between an end of the hydraulic cylinder and the top plate;
• a top magnetic plate attached to the top plate;
• a bottom magnetic plate attached to the bottom plate, wherein each of the top and bottom magnetic plates are configured to hold a nail plate and to embed the nail plate into a wooden member of a wooden structure when the C-clamp press is operated by the mobile robot;
• a computer vision system operable to provide position feedback on a location of the wooden member when secured by the C-clamp press;
• and
• a pressure sensor configured to enable detection of a joint formation when the nail plate is fully inserted into the wooden member.