Tele-Inspection Nondestructive Evaluation for Corrosion Applications

Abstract Tele-manufacturing is the ability to accurately transfer manual skillsets from local personnel to remote automation. Initially developed for hot work applications of tele-welding and tele-gouging, tele-manufacturing has been further developed and demonstrated for inspection techniques that are usually performed manually by a certified technician. Skilled nondestructive examination (NDE) technicians can gain visibility into complex problems at remote locations and efficiently implement the necessary solution. Tele-inspection provides the skilled technician the ability to inspect welds, surfaces, and corroded areas from a remote location and allows inspections to be performed in difficult-to-reach locations or in environments dangerous to human health. The overarching intent of any of these tele-manufacturing processes (welding, gouging, inspection, etc.) is to allow anyone anywhere access to technology and equipment that allows them to remain or become fully productive in manufacturing. This paper aims to demonstrate that the development of these technologies provides evidence that this tele-presence can be applied to remote inspection and mitigation of corrosion using tele-presence methods.