Digital Transition in Aircraft Inspection: Innovation Project Completed

We proudly reflect on the completion of the innovation project “Digital Transition in Aircraft Inspection” (DTIV), a close collaboration between ACRATS Training Services, Avino Aerospace Technologies, Fokker Services Group, Asante IT Services, Roboflex, TIAT Europe, and Avans University of Applied Sciences.

This project was made possible thanks to financial support from the Research & Development Fund of the West Brabant Region.

With this support, we took a significant step in digitizing inspection processes in aviation. By leveraging robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analysis, we developed technologies that enable faster, more reliable inspections — with reduced dependence on scarce technical labor.

Why This Project?

The aviation sector faces structural challenges:

A severe shortage of technical personnel

Increasing pressure on maintenance costs

The need for sustainability and digitalization

Inspections are still largely carried out manually. DTIV addressed this through three pillars:

1.     Ultrasonic damage inspection with cobots

2.     AI-based damage detection using image data

3.     A concept for a digital “Smart Hangar” where maintenance and data converge

What Has Been Achieved?

·       Cobot-guided Inspection
An inspection system using a UR5e cobot and Testia Rollerprobe was built and tested on aircraft components. The system features automatic moistening, 3D/LIDAR-based path planning, and data storage.

·       AI for Damage Detection
A database of over 600 labeled damage images was created. The AI software was tested using the CRISP-DM data model. Results are promising — damages like “dent,” “crack,” and “paint-off” are recognized with increasing accuracy.

·       Smart Hangar Vision
Together with stakeholders (e.g. KLM, NLR, and the Royal Netherlands Air Force), a blueprint was developed for integrating inspection and data technologies into a fully digital maintenance hangar.

Regional Collaboration and Impact

The project was carried out at Business Park Aviolanda in Hoogerheide, the heart of the MRO cluster in West Brabant. Thanks to the involvement of regional companies and educational institutions like Avans, the project not only delivered innovation but also contributed to the future labor market.

The support from Regio West-Brabant via the R&D Fund was crucial to getting these transition projects off the ground. It highlights the importance of regional innovation programs that foster entrepreneurship, sustainability, and knowledge sharing.

Looking Ahead

With the completion of DTIV, we’ve laid the foundation for:

·       Further industrialization of AI-based inspection

·       Expansion of damage image databases

·       Validation and certification of these technologies in cooperation with airlines and defense

The ambition is clear: to develop a globally deployable maintenance platform — with West Brabant as the home base for this digital transition.

This project was made possible thanks to financial support from the Research & Development Fund of the West Brabant Region.