# YOLO–LaserGalvo: A Vision–Laser-Ranging System for High-Precision Welding Torch Localization

## TL;DR

A new system called YOLO–LaserGalvo combines vision and laser ranging to precisely locate welding torch tips in real-time, improving automation in industrial welding.

## Contribution

The system introduces a marker-free, real-time 3D localization method using a vision model and laser feedback for high-precision welding automation.

## Key findings

- The YLGS system outperforms color-marker and ArUco-based methods in accuracy and robustness.
- It achieves real-time 3D torch tip localization without requiring artificial markers or structured lighting.
- The system shows superior performance under complex lighting conditions.

## Abstract

A novel closed loop visual positioning system, termed YOLO–LaserGalvo (YLGS), is proposed for precise localization of welding torch tips in industrial welding automation. The proposed system integrates a monocular camera, an infrared laser distance sensor with a galvanometer scanner, and a customized deep learning detector based on an improved YOLOv11 model. In operation, the vision subsystem first detects the approximate image location of the torch tip using the YOLOv11-based model. Guided by this detection, the galvanometer steers the IR laser beam to that point and measures the distance to the torch tip. The distance feedback is then fused with the vision coordinates to compute the precise 3D position of the torch tip in real-time. Under complex illumination, the proposed YLGS system exhibits superior robustness compared with color-marker and ArUco baselines. Experimental evaluation shows that the system outperforms traditional color-marker and ArUco-based methods in terms of accuracy, robustness, and processing speed. This marker-free method provides high-precision torch positioning without requiring structured lighting or artificial markers. Its pedagogical implications in engineering education are also discussed. Potential future work includes extending the method to full 6-DOF pose estimation and integrating additional sensors for enhanced performance.