Wim Persoons

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Wim Persoons has made foundational contributions to the automation of manufacturing processes, particularly in robotic surface finishing and coating of complex geometries. His work centers on integrating computer-aided design (CAD) with robotic control to achieve precision in tasks such as coating highly curved surfaces, deburring small-series castings, and cup grinding. Persoons’ 1993 paper on CAD-based robotic coating, with 29 citations, remains a key reference for automating spray application on non-planar surfaces, demonstrating how digital models can guide robot trajectories for uniform coverage. His subsequent studies on robotic deburring and grinding, each garnering 13–15 citations, established process models that optimize force control and tool path planning for small-batch manufacturing—a critical advancement for industries requiring flexibility without sacrificing quality. Persoons also pioneered off-line programming techniques for force-controlled robots, enabling safer and more efficient deburring of castings. His research has directly influenced the development of adaptive robotic systems capable of handling variable workpiece geometries, reducing manual labor and improving consistency in surface finishing. For students and researchers in manufacturing robotics, Persoons’ work exemplifies the practical integration of sensing, modeling, and control to solve real-world industrial challenges.