Magnetic MRO has partnered with Hungarian technology startup AerinX to explore the use of mixed reality (MR) software for aircraft exterior inspections. The companies signed a partnership agreement at MRO Europe in Amsterdam on Oct. 22 that will see Magnetic MRO using the AerinX system to streamline inspection processes.

According to Sergei Shkolnik, base maintenance director at Magnetic MRO, AerinX’s MR system “challenges the conventional ways of aircraft inspections,” adding: “It makes the whole process faster for our technicians as well as has the potential to digitalize the entire process for improved efficiency.”

AerinX’s technology pairs 3D smart glasses with software that projects frames, stringers and previous damage on an aircraft using advanced computer vision to help technicians identify damage more accurately. The software automatically registers newly discovered damage and determines its exact location. According to AerinX, the software makes aircraft surface inspections simpler and faster, reducing maintenance downtime by up to 80%.

“With our support technicians can focus on the high value-added tasks where their experience is required the most,” says Bence Kiss, cofounder and CEO, AerinX. “Based on our end-to-end approach, we cover the time-consuming tasks which an aircraft technician encounters during an outer surface inspection process.”

AerinX entered the market with the MR system this year after several years of research and development. The system is already in use at several locations within Europe and the Middle East, including Aeroplex of Central Europe and VD Gulf, which implemented the solution earlier this year after completing a pilot project in Dubai.

Magnetic MRO is not disclosing details about the scope of the cooperation, but it has a history of pursuing new technologies such as biometric e-signatures, 3D laser scanners for lavatory refurbishment projects, and virtual aircraft inspections and stock checks.

AerinX is preparing for a funding round with an international strategic investor in the next few months to accelerate its global market penetration. It says it also in talks with other MROs and expects the technology to soon be implemented by major market players in Europe, Hong Kong and the U.S.