Semi autonomous cutting element brazing system

A method of bonding a cutting element to a downhole drilling tool, comprising:

• applying a brazing material to a cutting element pocket;
• inserting a cutting element into the cutting element pocket;
• orienting a robotic arm with respect to the cutting element pocket, the robotic arm including an induction coil;
• orienting the induction coil adjacent to the cutting element pocket;
• applying an energy input to the induction coil to heat the cutting element pocket to a brazing temperature;
• while at the brazing temperature, melting the brazing material;
• and
• after melting the brazing material, seating the cutting element into the cutting element pocket while maintaining an angular orientation of the cutting element.

A brazing system, comprising:

• a support configured to support a bit including a plurality of cutting element pockets;
• a robotic arm having a working end, the working end movable relative to the support;
• an induction heater connected to the working end of the robotic arm;
• and
• a thermal sensor oriented toward the support.