Providing a glimpse into the future of automated engine maintenance, Waygate Technologies, a Baker Hughes business and market leader in nondestructive testing (NDT) solutions for industrial inspection, and GE Aerospace announced the deployment of new, automated Menu Directed Inspection (MDI) templates for GEnx-1B and -2B engine borescope inspections that will help deliver a new level of standardization and automation to the inspection process.

The automated MDI templates represent the latest developments through an ongoing Joint Technology Development Agreement (JTDA) between the two companies that began in 2023.  The templates are being added to Waygate Technologies’ Mentor Visual iQ+ video borescope, which builds upon AI-assisted technologies previously incorporated through the JTDA to enhance the detection capabilities with commercial engine inspections.

The new templates enhance quality and efficiency by embedding guided workflows and AI assistance to help ensure consistent, high quality images during every inspection, accelerating operator proficiency and strengthening confidence in every assessment.

“We are excited to see the MDI Templates now available to our customers, providing a standardized approach to inspections and advancing the next phase of automation in engine maintenance,” said Michael Domke, General Manager Visual, Waygate Technologies. “Through our Partnership with GE Aerospace, we are combining decades of inspection expertise with AI and automation to accelerate the future of digital maintenance.”

“Together with Waygate Technologies, we’re further integrating automation and AI to help our operators drive more standardization, consistency, and efficiency with video borescope inspections for critical engine parts,” added Nicole Jenkins, Chief MRO Engineer, GE Aerospace. “These technologies are empowering our MRO workforce to work more productively, while raising the bar even higher on safety and quality.”

The MDI templates are designed to guide inspectors in achieving the recommended views for High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) S1 and S2 blades, fully aligning with aircraft maintenance manual tasks. Providing image overlays and representative images directly on the Mentor Visual iQ+ borescope screen, they ensure consistent imaging and reduce operator variability. This advancement streamlines the screening and dispositioning of blades by integrating automated and manual 3D measurement capabilities, including line, area, depth, and profile.

Key benefits of the new MDI templates include:

•    Rich inspection data and traceability: Automated image and video data labeling enriches the quality and traceability of inspection results.

•    Improved connectivity and workflow: Inspectors can easily transition between inspection areas and store results in real-time via the InspectionWorks Insight cloud platform by Waygate Technologies, facilitating seamless data sharing and fleet optimization.

•    Workforce enablement: By providing clear visual guidance, the templates help address labor market challenges and reduce the learning curve for new technicians.

This initiative is another step on the journey to increased automation and assistance for engine inspections. Working together under the Joint Technology Development Agreement (JTDA), GE Aerospace and Waygate Technologies are looking to utilize automation to drive even greater efficiency and reliability in engine maintenance.

The GEnx Menu Directed Inspection Templates are available now via GE Aerospace Customer Technical Education Center GE Aerospace SSO. For more information, visit myGEAerospace.com or https://www.bakerhughes.com/waygate-technologies.