Improved apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are
provided that use a pedestal robot mounted on a rail system, a probe
extension coupler, and an inspection probe capable of performing pulse
echo ultrasonic inspection. A probe may also include sled appendages and
an axial braking system to inspect over holes and off edges. A probe may
also include an ultrasonic pulse echo transducer array for high rate
inspection; the transducer array may be mounted in a bubbler shoe for
individually coupling each of the transducers in the array. A rail system
may also include an optical encoder for providing location information
for the robot and axial braking system. A probe extension coupler presses
the inspection probe against the structure for adjusting to changes in
surface contours.