NDT 4.0: Revolutionizing non-destructive testing with IoT, SaaS, and remote monitoring technologies

El auge del NDT 4.0 marca un cambio significativo en la industria de los Ensayos No Destructivos (END), transformando las técnicas de inspección y redefiniendo los roles de los técnicos en el campo. Con la incorporación de sensores del Internet de las Cosas (IoT), Tecnología como Servicio (TaaS), Software como Servicio (SaaS) y tecnologías de monitoreo remoto, el sector de los END se está volviendo más orientado a los datos, más automatizado y eficiente que nunca.

This development comes at an opportune time, as the industry faces a shortage of qualified technicians and a growing demand for detailed, real-time analysis of assets.

Sensores IoT: Datos en tiempo real para un mantenimiento proactivo

One of the pillars of NDT 4.0 is the use of IoT-enabled sensors. use of IoT-enabled sensors.. These devices continuously monitor critical assets and transmit data to centralized platforms, where anomalies can be detected in real time.

IoT sensors, embedded in equipment, pipes or structures, collect valuable information on factors such as temperature, vibration, corrosion and stress, providing early warnings of potential problems. This allows industries to adopt a proactive, condition-based maintenance approach, rather than reactive or scheduled maintenance.

For NDT technicians, this means less time spent on routine field inspections and more time analyzing data from centralized or mobile platforms. Instead of laborious on-site testing, technicians can monitor asset status remotely, traveling only when necessary for repairs or critical issues.

Tecnología como servicio (TaaS) y software como servicio (SaaS): soluciones basadas en la nube

The adoption of TaaS and SaaS is redefining how inspections and data are managed in NDT. TaaS platforms allow companies to outsource their testing or assessment needs to cloud service providers. Complex analysis, anomaly detection and recommendations can then be performed without the need for on-site personnel.

SaaS, on the other hand, enables NDT data to be managed, analyzed and interpreted through cloud-based software. These platforms are highly scalable, ensuring that companies can handle growing volumes of data with ease. In addition, with the support of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), SaaS automates data analysis, reducing the burden on technicians and allowing them to focus on interpreting results and making critical decisions.

Monitoreo remoto y asistencia de IA/ML: El papel de la inteligencia artificial en los END

One of the biggest advantages of IoT and SaaS-based solutions is the integration of AI and ML for assisted data analysis. Through AI-driven algorithms, these systems can analyze large volumes of data, recognize patterns, identify defects and even predict potential failures.

For modern NDT technicians, this involves a shift in roles from data collection in the field to a focus on monitoring and quality control. AI reduces manual analysis time, highlights critical information and generates preliminary reports.

Realidad aumentada (AR) e imágenes digitales: Visualización avanzada para inspecciones de precisión

Augmented Reality (AR) is beginning to transform NDT by overlaying digital images directly onto physical assets. Technicians can use AR glasses to visualize defects in real time, enabling more accurate and efficient inspections.

Abordando la brecha de habilidades: La evolución del rol del técnico de END

As NDT 4.0 technologies transform traditional processes, the role of the NDT technician evolves into data interpretation, digital management and monitoring. While it does not eliminate the need for technicians, it expands their skills and positions them as supervisors who leverage technology to deliver faster and more accurate results.

Conclusión: Abrazando el futuro de los END

The implementation of NDT 4.0 marks a new era in Non-Destructive Testing, offering a sustainable path to meet today’s challenges while raising the quality and efficiency of inspections. Combining human expertise with advanced technologies, the future of NDT promises to be robust, reliable and highly efficient.

This article was developed by specialist Joshua de Monbrun and published as part of the fourth issue of Inspenet Brief magazine. fourth edition of Inspenet Brief magazine December 2024, dedicated to technical content in the energy and industrial sector.