‘Cognitive robotics’ aid helicopter blade inspection

The two Italian firms claim that the new system can be used to inspect blades up to 7m, something that was previously a labour-intensive manual process. Using a combination of robotics, advanced vision systems and artificial intelligence, the robot performs autonomous tapping tests and multispectral surface inspection along the non-linear blade, measuring and verifying the structural integrity via thousands of points.

As the robot mechanically stimulates the blades, the sound response is recorded and photographed using a multi-spectral camera to detect hidden and superficial defects. The solution has been developed as a joint pilot project and was tested on-site at Leonardo’s facility in Anagni over the past year, a facility that specialises in rotor blade manufacture and aerospace composites.

“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.”