A robotic system for inspecting a part comprises a robot comprising an articulating arm and an end effector, coupled to the articulating arm. The robotic system further includes three or more proximity sensors on the end effector and spaced apart from each other. Each of the proximity sensors is configured to detect a measured distance from the proximity sensor to a surface, such that the end effector is displaced from the surface. The robotic system includes a controller configured to receive measured distances from the proximity sensors. The controller is also configured to orient the end effector to a predetermined orientation based on the measured distances. The controller is further configured to calculate an average of the measured distances. Additionally, the controller is configured to move the end effector to a predetermined operating distance from the surface based on the average of the measured distance.