I admit that was just a purposefully dramatic headline.
Talked to some folks at servo robot about the device linked below.
http://www.servorobot.com/en/manufacturing-solutions/weld-sealant-bead-inspection/wikiscan.htmlnow this technology would never replace a skilled and competent CWI and there's still a long way to go before laser interferometers are are acceptable by some QC and inspection standards . But I think devices like this will make headway in the next 5-10 years especially as the technology improves and the prices drop. I'm curious to try one just to see how well it works, seems like it could be a nifty device if it could do even half the things it claims.
I would be more worried about it being an excuse to let any 'ol guy be a "welding inspector" or thinking it replaces the functions of a CWI.