IntACom 4 - Advanced Non-Destructive Inspection

Joint Industry Project Launch Meeting:
IntACom 4 - Advanced Non-Destructive Inspection

The aim of this project is to build on the achievements of the IntACom programme by adding new inspection methods e.g. microwave and non-contact methods, to the robotic inspection cells and to deploy advanced digital radiography (X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) and Laminography using robot solutions). Moreover, IntACom 4 will tackle new challenges posed by Industry 4.0. These involve the creation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) systems for robot navigation and path planning (for both static based and mobile based robots) to facilitate automated NDT inspection, the use of digital twins to assist with NDT inspection and the use of collaborative robots (Cobots) to work with human NDT operators without special safety cells, and ultimately the collection and handling of very large data sets on-site using mobile robotic manipulators connected to metrology systems.

In addition, in a drive to improve efficient application of quantitative NDE techniques, simulation driven NDE inspection through a TWI developed software front-end, interfacing 3rd party simulation software and other tools, is to be investigated for creating inspection plans for Ultrasonic and 2D Digital radiography inspection. Model assisted qualification is also to be investigated using the soon to be published BINDT Model Assisted Qualification protocol and a case study is to be trialled for a sponsor requested real NDT requirement.

During the launch meeting, we will provide a detailed overview of the JIP work programme, with a dedicated session for questions and comments from potential Sponsors, that could be taken into consideration in the final technical proposal.

This launch meeting will be hybrid. You can attend in person at our offices in Wales or join online.

Download Full Proposal Outline

Download Agenda 

Speakers

Dr Ian Nicholson

Technical Consultant and Business Development Lead
TWI Ltd

Dr Ian Nicholson is technical consultant and Business Development  lead at TWI Technology Centre (Wales). He is a chartered engineer with over 30 years’ industrial experience in systems integration for automated NDT, microelectronics, sensor and software development and technical project management. Ian spent his early career in industry as a software and hardware engineer working both in the UK and The Netherlands for different SMEs and LEs. Ian  has overseen the development of a number of novel NDT prototype systems for non-destructive inspection and evaluation. 

Mark Sutcliffe

Consultant, Software
TWI Ltd

Mark Sutcliffe received the Ph.D. degree in NDT (time critical synthetic transmit aperture ultrasound imaging) from the University of Wales Trinity St. David in 2015, with over 20 years of industrial experience. He is currently a Consultant (software) with TWI Ltd., specializing in novel ultrasonic data acquisition and imaging solutions. He is the lead architect and has developed and delivered NDT inspection systems for the use in nuclear, aerospace, and space exploration. He is a Professional Member of the British Computing Society and a Chartered Engineer.