Self-optimised Robotic simulation and off-line programming tool for non-destructive testing of advanced composite structure

c94f9175-2d4d-45bf-b6f7-4201c689f451

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Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK

£123,855

April 30, 2012

July 31, 2012

Key limiting factors to the wider uptake of composites in the aerospace, renewable energy
especially wind, automotive and other industries are the difficulties linked to quality
inspection which result in Non Destructive Testing (NDT) being an important bottleneck in
the manufacturing of composites structures. These difficulties are due to increasingly complex
geometries, an increasing array of composite materials and dimension of parts. NDT operators
are skilled in testing technology and interpreting ultra-sonic signal but generally do not have
much experience in programming robots, hence the need for a simulation tool to automatically
generate the optimum robot motion path. The objective of Applied Computing and
Engineering (ACEL) is to develop innovative robotic simulation software for non-destructive
testing (NDT) of advanced composite structures, which will automatically generate an
optimum robot motion path with minimum user input. The new collision detection algorithm
will be developed to operate on 64 bit MS/Windows architecture and multiple CPU cores, this
will be crucial to address the speed and memory size requirements for the high resolution
graphics simulation. The global NDT equipment market is expected to grow steadily. It was
valued at $1.1 billion in 2008 (Frost and Sullivan) with a positive growth rate of 2.4 percent.
The global demand on carbon fibre composites was estimated at roughly $10.8 billion in 2009
and is expected to reach $18.6 billion in 2015 with an annual growth rate of 7% (Acmite
Market Intelligence). The key objective of this Proof of Market project is to assess the
commercial viability of ACEL’s innovative software, to establish a full validation of the UK
and EU market and gaining a thorough understanding of the real needs and requirements of
key stakeholders, potential partners and clients. The early mapping of the market
opportunities will significantly accelerate the development and realisation of the project.