Genevieve Whittington

Manufacturers and training providers are revamping nondestructive testing training with new technologies and standards, while leaders adapt outreach and culture to attract a new generation of inspectors.

The demand for skilled workers is rising, but traditional hiring and training methods are not appealing to early-career professionals. For Gen Z, job satisfaction involves more than just pay; they value growth, purpose, and access to advanced technology. In response, manufacturers and industry organizations are changing their hiring and training practices.

Machine vision is transforming with advances in AI, deep learning, and 3D imaging, boosting inspection and accessibility. Tasks once needing expert programming are now handled by AI-powered systems.

U.S. manufacturers are increasingly reshoring production in response to tariffs impacting global supply chains, viewing it as a long-term strategy to enhance quality and adapt to complexities.

Automated calibration systems are changing how manufacturers maintain measurement accuracy. These systems reduce reliance on manual processes and improve precision.

Factories are increasingly using laser measurement systems for improved quality control, replacing manual inspections with faster and more accurate tools. Industries like automotive, aerospace, and medical are seeing significant benefits, especially in precision and waste reduction.

Engineers rely on industry standards for safety, which require extensive development time. However, the rapid pace of emerging technologies poses challenges for timely standardization, as reaching consensus on new standards becomes difficult in a fast-changing environment, according to Shawn Moylan from NIST.

Manufacturing companies must document greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage, and hazardous materials handling due to new sustainability regulations. The SEC Climate Disclosure Rules require public companies to report emissions, and private manufacturers may also face pressure to disclose similar information, according to Marcel Minutola of Peritia LLC.

Leak testing applications are evolving rapidly as manufacturers adapt to challenges in electric vehicle production, sustainability, and automation.

Discover how advancements in AI and automation are transforming universal testing machines, offering enhanced accuracy and safety while posing new challenges in workforce training and user experience.