Comau and Leonardo applying AI and robotics for autonomous inspections
Image courtesy Comau / Leonardo
The increasing push for faster processes, better control and higher quality in the aerospace industry necessitates a new generation of advanced automation designed to automate complex processes that until a short time ago could only be done manually.
When it comes to testing critical structures such as helicopter blades, for example, the potential benefits of automation increase exponentially, as robotic inspection grants accuracy as well as efficiency. They also ensure standardisation of and full compliance with the testing process by objectively completing each assigned task.
To address this need, Comau and Leonardo are working together to develop and test a powerful, self-adaptive robotic solution to autonomously inspect helicopter blades measuring up to seven metres. The smart inspection solution has been developed as a joint pilot project and was tested on-site in Anagni, Italy, over the past year. The system may now move to another site to deliver enhanced capabilities for MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) services.
Leveraging a combination of cognitive robotics, advanced vision systems and artificial intelligence, the solution autonomously performs tapping tests and multispectral surface inspection along the non-linear blade, to measure and verify the structural integrity with a granularity exceeding thousands of points. More importantly, robotised inspection ensures 100% accuracy within the self-adaptive process and allows operators to upskill their positions while enjoying better safety and well-being compared to the initial repetitive and labour-intensive process. Furthermore, the move from manual to robotic automation will let Leonardo leverage the full benefits of process engineering compared to a manual operation in which experience is often passed between technicians in a non-standard way.
Looking at the technical collaboration in more detail, each of the companies has shared specific competencies to optimise the end-to-end inspection process. These include intelligent algorithms and advanced path planning that allow the robot to see and respond to its surroundings, as well as a comprehensive data acquisition and processing infrastructure that facilitates optimised sound and image recognition. As the blades are mechanically stimulated by the smart robot, the sound response is both recorded and photographed using a multi spectral camera in order to detect hidden and superficial defects.
Another powerful feature of the system is that it automatically senses the environment. It first localises the blade, which has been placed on its supports by the operator, detects any obstacles and then calculates both cycle time optimisation and collision free path planning. All this technical complexity is hidden behind a simple and effective user interface based on low code programming. This allows the operator to programme the robot using simple, human commands: look for the blade, find the position and execute the action required. In doing so, the solution shifts the operator’s role from executing repetitive and labour-intensive tapping tasks to leveraging their experience when programming the robot to run the now standardised process.
Such intelligent automation helps reduce the seeming complexity of processes and optimise their outcome by enabling the robot to perceive and see its surroundings, automate its decision making and intuitively optimise the inspection processes. This grants greater flexibility without sacrificing precision or repeatability.
“Comau’s commitment to the design and development of cutting-edge technologies and solutions for elaborate processes allows us to extend the benefits of advanced automation to mission-critical sectors such as aerospace,” explained Nicole Clement, Chief of Comau Advanced Automation Solutions Business Unit. “The collaboration with Leonardo gives us the opportunity to extend our innovation reach by developing a smarter, data-driven inspection system that provides an objective assessment of key structural elements within a standardised, automated and highly-accurate process.”
“This technology demonstration project fits well in Leonardo’s strategy to transform industrial processes through digitisation,” said Mattia Cavanna, Head of Technology & Innovation at Leonardo Helicopters. "It also aligns perfectly with our steadfast commitment to enhanced technical support, which in turn yields concrete benefits in terms of safety and quality.”
