New Tech Startups Seeking to Transform MRO

Hungarian startup AerinX has been developing an augmented reality (AR) solution for simpler, faster aircraft inspections since 2015. The smart inspection system combines AR technology with modern picture processing and uses smart glasses to project relevant technical information about an aircraft type—such as plate thickness at a given point or damage history—in 3D on the aircraft’s surface.

According to AerinX, the system can reduce the time it takes to manually inspect an aircraft’s surface from up to two hours to around 20 minutes. The system is currently in the prototype testing phase and AerinX is partnering with Aeroplex of Central Europe to implement it in heavy and line maintenance processes.

ARIS Technology has developed a four-step “plug and play” robotic solution for 3D scanning of parts. Users load a part on the machine’s tray and press a button to start the scan. ARIS inspects the part automatically, collecting millions of data points in seconds. Once the scan is complete, users can view the part report from any device and run trend analysis. During the session at MRO Americas, ARIS Technology will show how the robotic 3D scanning technology can be used to improve the productivity of MRO inspection.

Authenticiti has created a blockchain platform to enable end-to-end audit trails for a company’s asset transfers which it says can streamline compliance and reduce auditing costs. The Authenticiti Platform synchronizes data from third party applications and supply chain partners into a single, decentralized database (or blockchain). Through the platform, Authenticiti says asset records, trade documents and location data are auto-reconciled on the blockchain ledger in real time. According to the company, the Authenticiti Platform is rapidly deployed, scalable and customized to a customer’s needs.

New Jersey-based drone and software company Luftronix provides UAV-based scanning solutions for inspecting aircraft. The company’s solution uses drones equipped with 3D cameras to map the shape of any surface, which send data to software that provides analytics capabilities for automatic stitching of a contiguous surface map and real-time image viewing and capture.

Customers are able to review a composite image of a scanned aircraft, mark the image up to flag issues—such as dents and scratches—and set the program to repeat the inspection. Luftronix says the fully autonomous system, which can scan aircraft both in the hangar and outdoors, reduces time and costs associated with aircraft inspection.

Rufus Labs specializes in industrial wearables that it says can improve productivity and safety across aviation and aerospace operations. The company’s products include an ultra-rugged wearable computer called the Rufus Cuff, a wireless scanner called the Rufus Ring and an IoT platform with functionality for performance report metrics, communication, safety alerts and maps. Rufus Labs says the platform can integrate with various software systems and its wearables can boost worker productivity while reducing repeated strain injuries.

Started as a National Science Foundation Innovation-Corps project, Sensatek Propulsion Technology has created wireless passive sensors to detect hot spots in turbine engines, which the startup says can reduce the risk of engine failure, unscheduled maintenance costs and emissions. The ceramic sensors are corrosion-resistant and stable at high temperatures, and they can wirelessly monitor the harsh environment inside gas turbine engines. According to Sensatek, the sensors provide reliable, long-term sensing to increase efficiency, improve operational reliability and reduce pollution.

Pittsburgh-based Titan Robotics specializes in autonomous mobile robotics for aircraft applications and the company’s mobile robotic platform technology was developed with funding from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) at the National Robotics Engineering Center, part of Carnegie Mellon University.

During the MRO Americas session, the company will present its aircraft laser coating removal technology, which it says reduces environmental impact and decreases maintenance costs. Titan Robotics will also discuss how the technology has improved USAF and Department of Defense corrosion operations, such as how aircraft laser coating removal on an F-16 aircraft reduced labor hours, process cycle time, substrate damage and hazardous waste.

Canadian startup White Whale Analytics hopes to “give average users the capacity of a data scientist” with its Deep Sea machine learning and analytics platform. The platform provides insights for diagnosing and predicting maintenance events, using component failure fingerprints and trending data to predict maintenance issues before they happen while increasing fleet efficiency. The cloud-based platform includes functionality for creating data visualization workflows and running complex models. At MRO Americas, the company will present its latest product developments in avionics and predictive maintenance.

Austin, Texas-based Wilder systems specializes in collaborative, multi-functional robots—or cobots—to improve productivity, quality and ergonomics for aerospace companies. Wilder systems says its cobots can be used for a variety of applications, such as machine tending, quality assurance and assembly tasks. During the startup session, the company will demonstrate how its Agile Manufacturing Robot can be deployed to dramatically reduce touch labor in heavy MRO applications by automatically drilling out rivets during fuselage panel replacement.

Launched in 2011, WiN MS has created a product suite to enable fast and accurate wiring diagnostics for aircraft. The company’s products are based on innovative and patented Multi Carrier Time Domain Reflectometry (MCTDR) technology, which runs on all cables, works on live wires, detects permanent or intermittent faults and operates from one end of the cable. WiN MS says MCTDR reduces risks and costs due to wiring and connection malfunctions. The technology is deployed across WiN MS’ products for testing, inspection and troubleshooting on electrical wiring systems, cables, antennas and more.