Global Fastener News

An Air Force Research Laboratory  (AFRL) advanced inspection robotics research project has developed  “a flexible, robotic snake-arm tool” that reaches into confined areas to perform required aircraft inspections.

The Remote Access Nondestructive Evaluation (RANDE) system was Developed through a contracted effort with UK-based OC Robotics, the Remote Access Nondestructive Evaluation (RANDE) system utilizes a multi-axis maneuverable head that includes multiple lights, small cameras, and a port to which inspectors can easily attach interchangeable nondestructive inspection tools, including eddy current probes, according to AFRL.

“RANDE can be used in many hard-to-reach spaces and can be fitted with a variety of probes to inspect flat areas as well as raised head fasteners and edges, comparable to traditional eddy current inspection procedures,” writes AFRL’s Holly Jordan.

Typically, inspections on hard-to-reach components such as the interior of aircraft wings require removal of the wing and additional structures within the wing.

With RANDE, inspectors “only need to remove the necessary external access panels and maneuver the snake arm through an access hole as small as three inches in diameter.”

A laptop computer records the full robotic motion, video camera images, and inspection data.

This process results in reduced maintenance hours and eliminates the possibility of maintenance-induced damage from pre-inspection processes.

“RANDE is poised to become an important tool for maintainers performing nondestructive eddy current testing. The testing method, which employs the principle of electromagnetic induction to detect flaws in materials, is one of the most effective means by which inspectors can assess the state of aircraft structural materials.”