From Lab to Field: CARC Computing Powers AR-Enhanced Robotics for Infrastructure Safety

Mariah Rosales

Bridges, buildings, and aircraft all require regular inspections to ensure safety. A recent study published in the International Journal of Intelligent Robotics and Applications introduces a new augmented reality (AR) interface designed to make structural “tap testing” faster, safer, and more accurate — and the University of New Mexico’s Center for Advanced Research Computing (CARC) played a vital role in bringing the system to life. 

Tap testing is a method used to detect defects like cracks or delaminations by striking a surface and analyzing the resulting sound. Traditionally performed manually, it can be slow and physically demanding. In this new system, researchers combined robotics with augmented reality (AR) to improve controllability and give inspectors a clear, real-time view of the inspection process.

“Running simulations for robot motion planning and AR integration required large amounts of computing power,” said lead author Dr. Mojtaba Ahmadi. “CARC’s resources allowed us to test multiple interface designs and fine-tune our algorithms before taking the system into the field.”

The system’s design uses AR overlays to guide the robot during inspections, reducing human error and improving precision. By performing much of the testing and optimization virtually, the team minimized costs and reduced the need for early-stage field trials.

“Having access to CARC meant we could move from idea to tested prototype much faster,” said Ahmadi. “It’s a game-changer for applied robotics research.”

The technology has potential applications not only in civil engineering, but also in aerospace, energy, and any field where structural integrity is mission-critical. With CARC’s advanced computing resources accelerating the pace of innovation, UNM researchers continue to demonstrate how powerful collaborations between computing and engineering can drive safer, smarter solutions for the real world.