GE Aerospace and Waygate Technologies Unveil AI-Enhanced Jet Engine Inspection Solution

GE Aerospace and Waygate Technologies Collaborate on AI-Enhanced Inspection Solution

GE Aerospace and Waygate Technologies, a Baker Hughes business, have announced the successful development of a new AI-assisted commercial engine borescope solution. This innovative technology is set to transform jet engine inspections, particularly focusing on High Pressure Compressor (HPC) inspections, which are critical and time-consuming tasks in the engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) process 1

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Technological Advancements and Benefits

The new AI-assisted borescope solution leverages advanced machine learning techniques to significantly improve inspection capabilities:

1. Increased detection rates by approximately 34%
2. Reduced false alerts by over 13% compared to the previous model
3. Improved workflow efficiency for both new and experienced inspectors
4. Enhanced probability of defect detection
5. Reduced mental fatigue for inspection personnel 1

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These improvements are expected to substantially reduce the time required for HPC inspections while maintaining high accuracy levels.

Implementation and Availability

The AI-enhanced features will be integrated into Waygate Technologies' Mentor Visual iQ+ borescope through a software update later this year. GE Aerospace plans to introduce the model to its MRO network, specifically for High Pressure Compressor inspections on GEnx and CFM LEAP engines 1

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Collaborative Development Process

The joint development effort involved:

1. GE Aerospace providing a comprehensive dataset of engine inspection videos
2. Creation of thousands of new representative images for training
3. Expertise from GE's Services Technology Acceleration Center (STAC) and GE Aerospace Research for accurate data labeling
4. Waygate Technologies applying cutting-edge AI techniques, including a compute-optimized object detection algorithm and a novel temporal smoothing algorithm 1

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Industry Impact and Future Implications

Nicole Jenkins, Chief MRO Engineer at GE Aerospace, emphasized the growing value of AI technologies in improving commercial jet engine inspections. The collaboration aims to provide inspection engineers with more advanced tools using AI, computer vision, and automation to enhance productivity and meet customer needs 1

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Michael Domke, General Manager Visual at Waygate Technologies, highlighted the strategic importance of such technological partnerships in optimizing the entire MRO sector 1

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Broader Technology Push

This development is part of a larger initiative to improve reliability and turnaround times at MRO shops and address supply chain bottlenecks. The success of this first program under the Joint Technology Development Agreement, established in May 2023, paves the way for further advancements in the field 1

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Market Response

As of the last check on Monday, GE shares were down 1.74% at $175.99. Investors interested in exposure to GE can consider options such as the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) and TCW Transform Systems ETF (NETZ) 2

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