by Matthew Beres, Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Analyst, Forecast International.
SR Technics recently announced a partnership with Invert Robotics to implement a robotics solution that will enhance its aircraft maintenance inspections. Developed by Invert Robotics, the robot explores airframe surfaces to assess required maintenance needs.
A high-resolution inspection camera records and transmits video images to a ground-based screen, which are then analyzed by SR Technics engineers. The robot allows for both more efficient visual inspections and more detailed repair assessments. In addition, the new robots could potentially help reduce inspection time from hours to minutes.
The robot’s capabilities can be enhanced by adding functions such as ultrasound and thermography testing. ST Technics claims that robots will free up skilled aircraft engineers, so they can manage more complex tasks.
Free hands are certainly needed in an MRO market that is rapidly encountering overwhelming demand. Robotics, along with other booming technologies such as big data, AI, automation, and additive manufacturing, are the way of the future in MRO. There will still be business for the late majority – and even the technology laggards. But ultimately, it’s the innovators, early adopters, and the early majority that will come out ahead, leaving more risk-averse firms in good company with the Blockbusters of the MRO market.
Forecast International’s Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast provides operators in the military and commercial aviation sectors with the information they need to maximize their current investments rather than expand their fleets, a trend that is opening up multiple opportunities for the expansion of retrofit and modernization programs. It offers a one-stop service for tracking the status of commercial and military R&M programs in progress worldwide, and pinpoints key developments in the aviation industry that will impact the market in the future.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
