Mentor Visiual iQ+
One year on, Waygate Technologies and GE Aerospace have reaffirmed their commitment to their ongoing collaboration. The Joint Technology Development Agreement outlined both company’s desire to “revolutionise commercial aircraft engine inspections.” These developments relate to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and on-wing applications.
Upon starting the project, both companies decided to focus on two main programmes: machine vision analytics and robotics automation. Each project would utilise the companies' technologies and expertise to streamline inspection procedures, improve operational efficiency, and maintain the pre-set high standards relating to safety and reliability.
“Our collaboration with GE Aerospace exemplifies our shared commitment to driving innovation and excellence within the aerospace industry,” stated Mike Domke, General Manager Visual at Waygate Technologies. “Through our combined expertise and resources, we are poised to deliver game-changing solutions that will elevate the standard of aircraft engine inspections.”
As part of the duo’s ongoing work towards fulfilling the needs of the aviation industry, the Mentor Visual iQ+ video borescope became the focal point of its machine vision analytics development work. Using the system, the project explored ways to refine inspection methodologies to increase global aerospace maintenance capacity, which has been greatly needed.
By adding robotics for automation within the inspection process, results found that turnaround times could be reduced. This is because robotics helped with defect recognition through image collection. Additionally, by adding this feature to the inspection process, aircraft engineers were able to achieve their required certification quicker, helping fill the growing skill gap seen in the aviation industry.
“We are thrilled to report the substantial progress made under the Joint Technology Development Agreement with Waygate Technologies,” said Michael Eriksen, Innovation Leader for Commercial Engine Services at GE Aerospace. “Together, we are pioneering transformative solutions that will redefine aircraft engine inspections, setting new benchmarks for efficiency, reducing the impact of operator variability and enabling our customers to readily visualise a digital record of their asset throughout its lifecycle. Ultimately, this reduces unplanned maintenance events and supports increased aircraft utilisation.”
Waygate Technologies and GE Aerospace will continue their work in the advancing aircraft engine inspection processes.