Waygate Technologies, a part of Baker Hughes, and GE Aerospace have announced the deployment of automated Menu Directed Inspection (MDI) templates for GEnx-1B and -2B engine borescope inspections, marking a step forward in the use of automation and AI in non-destructive testing (NDT) for aviation maintenance.
The development is part of an ongoing Joint Technology Development Agreement (JTDA) between the two companies initiated in 2023. The MDI templates are integrated into Waygate Technologies’ Mentor Visual iQ+ video borescope, building on previously implemented AI-assisted inspection capabilities to enhance defect detection and inspection consistency in commercial aircraft engines.
The automated templates are designed to standardize inspection workflows by guiding operators through predefined inspection paths aligned with aircraft maintenance manual requirements. The system provides image overlays and reference visuals directly on the borescope interface, helping inspectors capture consistent, high-quality images while reducing variability between operators.
“We are excited to see the MDI Templates now available to our customers, providing a standardized approach to inspections and advancing the next phase of automation in engine maintenance,” said Michael Domke. “Through our Partnership with GE Aerospace, we are combining decades of inspection expertise with AI and automation to accelerate the future of digital maintenance.”
The templates specifically support inspection of high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and stage 2 blades, enabling improved screening and evaluation through a combination of automated and manual 3D measurement tools. These include capabilities for line, area, depth, and profile measurements, supporting more detailed condition assessment.
“Together with Waygate Technologies, we’re further integrating automation and AI to help our operators drive more standardization, consistency, and efficiency with video borescope inspections for critical engine parts,” added Nicole Jenkins. “These technologies are empowering our MRO workforce to work more productively, while raising the bar even higher on safety and quality.”
In addition to inspection standardization, the system enhances data traceability by automatically labeling inspection images and videos, supporting improved documentation and analysis. Integration with the InspectionWorks Insight cloud platform enables real-time data storage and sharing, facilitating more efficient workflows and fleet-level optimization.
The introduction of MDI templates reflects ongoing efforts within the aerospace sector to incorporate automation, digital tools, and AI into inspection processes, particularly in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations where consistency and reliability are critical.
