Invert Robotics robot for airworthiness inspections
- Written by John Blair
Invert Robotics unveiled its latest robot at this week’s International Federation of Airworthiness (IFA) conference in Dubai, hosted by Emirates Engineering.
Invert Robotics’ remote-controlled climbing robots provide significant efficiency improvements for airlines and the aircraft maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) sector.
A patented suction mechanism enables the robots to adhere to and traverse aircraft surfaces, even when they are wet or upside down. A high-resolution inspection camera records and transmits video images to a ground-based screen for analysis by line-maintenance staff – enabling efficient visual inspections (GVI and DVI) following lightning or bird strike, for example.
Rapid set-up and inspection can reduce schedule delays from more than five hours to less than one hour. The health and safety risks of staff working at height are also eliminated.
Pre-maintenance robotic inspections on the tarmac or in the hangar can provide detailed repair assessments and a record of ‘current state’ for future comparison.
Many labour-intensive MRO processes can now be automated with the addition of ultra-sound and thermographic technology to the robots. This frees up skilled aircraft engineers to do more complex tasks, reducing the time and cost of aircraft maintenance.
The IFA conference from 26-28 November looked at best practices in safety risk management, modern inspection technology, identifying high risk areas in airworthiness, and safety-related digital records within aviation.
“Invert Robotics was delighted to have the opportunity to demonstrate its new robot at a conference workshop moderated by award-winning aeronautical engineer and IFA Vice President for Australasia, Steve Swift,” says Invert Robotics Executive Director Aviation John Blair.
About Invert Robotics
Invert Robotics designs and develops robotic non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies used for the inspection of non-ferromagnetic surfaces in the food and beverage, aviation, pharmaceutical, and oil and gas industries. Undertaking these audit services enables companies to then take action, greatly assisting in consumer and passenger safety.
About IFA
The International Federation of Airworthiness aims to be the most internationally respected independent authority on the subject of Airworthiness. IFA uniquely combines together all those with responsibility for policies, principles and practices concerned with the continuing airworthiness of civil transport aircraft.
About Steve Swift
The IFA Vice President for Australasia, Steve Swift, is the principal of Steve Swift Pty Ltd, providing professional advice and training on airworthiness of airframe structures.
