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GE Aerospace Unveils Worm-Like Robot for Engine Inspection

  • 09 Sep 2023

GE Aerospace has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation that promises to revolutionise jet engine inspection and repair. Developed by the GE Aerospace Research’s Robotics Team, the “Sensiworm” (Soft ElectroNics Skin-Innervated Robotic Worm) is a highly intelligent soft robot, resembling an inchworm in motion. It is set to expand the capabilities of aerospace service operators and transform the future of on-wing jet engine maintenance.

GE Aerospace’s Sensiworm possesses an untethered soft robotics design, equipped with an electronic skin-innervated platform. This unique configuration enables Sensiworm to navigate effortlessly through the intricate crevasses and curves of jet engine components, making it highly effective in detecting part defects, corrosion, and even measuring the thickness of thermal barrier coatings.

Presently, aerospace service operators rely on advanced inspection instruments like video borescopes to gather crucial inspection data. However, these instruments are limited in their ability to cover every inch of the engine due to factors such as gravity, which can cause them to settle when not supported by a structure within the engine. Sensiworm’s self-propelling, compliant design aims to provide operators with unprecedented access to perform inspections without the need to disassemble the engine.

Deepak Trivedi, Principal Robotics Engineer at GE Aerospace Research, explained, “With mini-robot companions like Sensiworm, service operators would have multiple additional sets of eyes and ears to perform on-wing inspections. With their soft, compliant design, they could inspect every inch of jet engines, transmitting live video and real-time data about the condition of parts that operators typically check. Sensiworm can even measure the thickness of thermal barrier coatings on parts that are applied to protect the parts from heat.”

The cutting-edge Sensiworm robot was developed by GE Aerospace with the support of SEMI Flex Tech, a public/private partnership focused on advancing innovative hybrid electronics. This initiative is funded by the US Army Research Lab. GE also collaborated with Binghamton University, known for its world-class Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing (CAMM), and UES, Inc, an Ohio-based R&D organisation with extensive experience in aerospace and electronics research.”

The Sensiworm represents an advancement in the field of in-situ, highly intelligent robotic platforms. Its potential for on-wing inspections offers the promise of reduced removals, minimised downtime, and faster turnaround times, ultimately ensuring that engines remain at peak operational availability. Further, its potential extends beyond inspection. Trivedi stated, “Currently, our demonstrations have primarily been focused on the inspection of engines. But we’re developing new capabilities that would allow these robots to execute repairs once they find a defect as well.”

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