IntACom 4.0 – Advanced Non-Destructive Inspection
Status: Proposal
Date Announced: July, 2024
Project reference: PROP311638
Summary
IntACom 4.0 aims to revolutionise inspection methods, particularly for composites and thin metals. The aim of this project is to build on the achievements of the previous IntACom programme by adding new inspection methods e.g. microwave and Ultrasonic 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 4.0 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.
Objectives
The objectives of the IntACom 4.0 project can be summarised below:
- Development of Dry and non-contact Ultrasonic Testing
- Development og Microwave NDT
- Development of Robot deployed X-ray Computed Tomography
- Development of In-process UT inspection for welds
- Development of Mobile Robots for NDT
- Development of 3D Scanning & Digitisation
Benefits
- Reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs
- Faster lead times on inspection of complex components
- Component life extension
- Share and develop state-of-the-art knowledge with like-minded companies
- Sponsors receive substantially more results for their funding than could be obtained by single-company project
- Project takes advantage of existing leverage, including £1.1M SMART Funding equipment received in 2023, as well as strong equipment and expertise legacy from AEMRI
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