Introduction
In today’s fast-evolving manufacturing landscape, adopting advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics is no longer optional—it’s essential. For EXTENDE, a a French SME specialized in software solutions for non-destructive testing (NDT), integrating AI into their operations was key to addressing the challenge of managing and exploiting the large volumes of data generated by advanced ultrasonic inspection techniques such as PAUT and TFM, particularly for training applications.
Thanks to its collaboration with AI-MATTERS, EXTENDE has been able to explore innovative approaches to compressing ultrasound data sets and generating representative inspection signals for training purposes.
The Challenge
Every organization embarking on an AI transformation faces unique hurdles. For EXTENDE, the main challenge was managing and exploiting the large volumes of data generated by advanced ultrasonic inspection techniques such as PAUT and TFM, particularly for training applications.
Additionally, they needed support in exploring AI approaches to efficiently integrate realistic inspection scenarios into the TRAINDE training platform.
TRAINDE is an educational tool developed by EXTENDE for training operators in non-destructive testing (NDT). It provides a realistic simulation environment for learning and practicing ultrasonic inspection techniques.
“We knew that AI could help us streamline operations, but we didn’t have the tools or expertise to experiment with the technologies ourselves,” explains EXTENDE Team.
The Solution
AI-MATTERS provided EXTENDE with the resources and expertise they needed to overcome these challenges.
Through technical expertise and experimentation with CEA-List on AI-based signal compression and surrogate modelling methods, the organization was able to evaluate data compression and surrogate modelling approaches on ultrasonic inspection datasets to support the integration of realistic training scenarios into TRAINDE.
“Working with AI-MATTERS allowed us to experiment with AI technologies in a controlled environment, giving us the confidence to integrate them into our operations”, says Extende Team.
The Results
The collaboration between AI-MATTERS and EXTENDE delivered tangible outcomes. Some of the key results include:
- Significant reduction of ultrasonic data storage requirements through advanced signal compression techniques
- Demonstration of surrogate modelling approaches capable of generating representative ultrasonic signals from a reduced set of parameters
- New perspectives for integrating large numbers of realistic inspection scenarios into TRAINDE
Looking Ahead
Working with AI-MATTERS has been a pivotal step for EXTENDE in their AI adoption journey. Moving forward, they plan to further investigate how these approaches can support the transition of the TRAINDE platform toward multi-element ultrasonic inspection training.
To find out more, read our interview with Extende
Conclusion
EXTENDE’s story demonstrates the transformative potential of AI in European manufacturing. By addressing challenges head-on and leveraging the resources of AI-MATTERS, they’ve paved the way for a future of smarter, more efficient operations.
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