Insights into Robotic Non-Destructive Testing Capabilities and Future Developments
April 11-12, 2025 | Prague, Czech Republic
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Gabriel Herl
RoboCT at Deggendorf - Current advances in Robotic CT, including workflows for easy scan planning, precise calibration and scans of big objects
This talk presents the robotic CT system in Deggendorf, highlighting its features, current challenges, and practical solutions. Several workflows for scan planning are demonstrated, ranging from small regions of interest to large objects. A digital twin is presented, supported by open-source software that allows users to plan and simulate robotic CT scans, even without direct access to a robotic CT system.
Different approaches for achieving precise and efficient robotic CT imaging are discussed. Methods for calibrating robotic CT scans are introduced, including approaches requiring an additional calibration scan as well as innovative techniques for live calibration. Additionally, the concept of Flyby-CT is presented for the first time in robotic CT systems, showing how it accelerates scans of large objects and improves the overall efficiency of robotic CT.
Gabriel Herl, Technische Hochschule Deggendorf
Gabriel Herl has been researching multi-pose CT and robotic CT at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology since 2015. In 2022, he completed his PhD on CT trajectory optimization in collaboration with Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg. Since 2023, he has been a professor of robotic CT at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology, based at the Technology Campus Plattling. The Research Centre for Modern Mobility, located on the campus, specializes in areas such as robotic CT, energy storage systems, power electronics, and autonomous driving. Gabriel Herl's research primarily focuses on CT trajectory optimization, CT calibration, and developing optimized workflows for robotic CT.
JOSEF UHER
RadalyX: Portable Multimodal Robotic Scanner
Robotic Computed Tomography (CT) is establishing itself as a versatile and transformative tool in non-destructive inspection. Robots not only facilitate upscaling CT measurements for large objects but also offer the flexibility of diverse scanning trajectories, making advanced inspection of regions of interest possible. Our portable scanner design eliminates the need for objects to “go to the CT machine”; instead, the CT machine “comes to the object,” significantly enhancing usability in aerospace, space, and other demanding fields. This mobility broadens the spectrum of object sizes that can be inspected while enabling the use of smaller, more precise robots.
Recent advancements in CT technology include the integration of photon-counting detectors, which enhance X-ray image quality through improved sensitivity. These detectors reduce the required maximum acceleration voltage on the X-ray tube, simplify radiation protection, and leverage thresholds to improve image contrast. Combined with a robotic platform, this approach expands inspection capabilities and facilitates integration with complementary methods. For example, X-ray diffraction (XRD) enables imaging of ordered structures such as fibres in composites or crystalline structures, as well as heat-affected zones after welding, while X-ray backscattering allows single-sided imaging further expanding the portfolio of detectable defects. These advancements make the system highly adaptable across industries.
Our work also addresses challenges associated with robotic inspection. A critical hurdle is raising awareness about the potential of robotic CT among the relevant public. To this end, building a comprehensive portfolio of use cases is essential. Furthermore, establishing standards that encompass both photon-counting detectors and robotic scanning technologies will be crucial for widespread adoption.
This paper will present case studies demonstrating the portability of the system, including the inspection of a damaged aircraft, and discuss installation procedures and new robot position calibration methods. We will also showcase recent improvements in scanning strategies, image reconstruction, and the integration of multimodal imaging techniques, providing a glimpse into the future of portable robotic inspection.
Keywords: robots, computed tomography, photon-counting detectors, multimodal imaging, non-destructive testing (NDT), portable scanner, robotic CT, X-ray diffraction, aerospace inspection.
Josef Uher, CTO, Radalytica
Josef Uher is a co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Radalytica and InsightART, where he leads teams focused on developing advanced X-ray imaging technologies. With a Ph.D. in Physics from the Czech Technical University, his expertise spans photon counting detectors, 3D detection structures in semiconductors, and neutron tomography. Josef has held research and leadership roles at different institutions, including the Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics and Amsterdam Scientific Instruments. He has published extensively on X-ray imaging, neutron detection, and semiconductor technology and holds several patents in radiation detection and imaging.
MAREK KOTRLÝ
Robotic Multimodal Tools for Forensic Analysis
TBC
Marek Kotrlý, Science Support Department, Criminalistics Institute of the Police of the Czech Republic
BIO TBC
UWE EWERT
Current Developments in RT and XCT Standardization
TBC
Uwe Ewert, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM)
Dr. Uwe Ewert was a faculty member at Cornell University's Baker Lab (1989/90) and served as Director and Professor of Non-destructive Testing, Radiation Methods at BAM-Berlin (2000–2017). He is currently a consultant for companies such as X-Ray-Net, KOWOTEST, and Sentin. He holds leadership roles in standards and professional organizations, including Vice Chairman of the Radiology Committee (DGZfP), past DGZfP advisory board member, and council member of Academia NDT International. He is a delegate and convenor for DIN, CEN, ISO, and ASTM committees.
Dr. Ewert is an RT Level 3 trainer and examiner for the DGZfP and IAEA, a guest professor at Dresden International University, and has received numerous awards: Berthold Award (2005), Roentgen Medal (2009), Briggs Award (2010), Roy Sharpe Award (2016), DGZfP Needle of Honour (2021), and DIN Innovator Award (2021, team).
SASCHA SENCK
Non-destructive testing of electronic components using laminography and microcomputed tomography
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is essential to ensure the reliability of electronic components. In particular, radiography, laminography, and microcomputed tomography (µCT) are potential NDT tools for the inspection of printed circuit boards (PCBs). µCT provides high spatial resolution but is limited in inspecting large, flat samples like PCBs due to geometrical constraints. Laminography addresses this limitation, offering focused layer-specific imaging, demonstrated in scans of loaded PCBs with a diameter of 10 cm achieving voxel dimensions of 5.5 x 5.5 x 19.3 µm using an RX Solution µCT system. Advances in CT technology, including single-photon counting detectors, can enhance contrast, enabling precise defect detection, such as cracks and bond failures in multi-material PCBs. However, each approach faces challenges, including scan times and image artifacts. In this work, we compare these approaches highlighting their complementary roles in NDT analysis, e.g. of bonds and internal interfaces, critical for ensuring the performance of electronic devices.
Sascha Senck, Computed Tomography Research Group of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
Sascha Senck, PhD is Senior Researcher at the Computed Tomography Research Group of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (Campus Wels). He manages several research projects in the field of non-destructive testing using industrial microcomputed tomography. His research focus is the three-dimensional characterization of additively manufactured components and biological hard tissue using X-ray and phase contrast imaging.
GE WANG
AI-driven Robotics for Tomographic Imaging
This talk first provides a brief overview of recent advancements in deep tomographic imaging, and then focuses on the expanding role of AI-driven robotics in transforming imaging technologies. The critical challenges in the field are discussed, such as achieving precise geometric calibration, developing solutions for limited training data with sparse labels, and advancing self-learning, autonomous systems that can adapt in real-world tasks. Additionally, AI-specific concerns, including issues of generalizability, reliability, and interpretability, will be examined to emphasize the importance of robust academic-industrial partnerships. Such collaborations are essential for accelerating innovation and translating new imaging tools into major applications across research, industrial, and clinical settings.
Ge Wang, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, AI-driven Robotics for Tomographic Imaging
Ge Wang, Clark & Crossan Chair Professor and Director of Biomedical Imaging Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His current interests include not only classic physics-based tomographic methods but also modern generative AI models, multimodal foundation models, solutions to AI-specific problems in medical imaging, as well as their medical applications. He has published over 600 journal papers (1 in Nature, 5 in Nature Machine Intelligence, 1 in Nature Communications, 3 in PNAS, and >100 in IEEE Transactions) and >150 issued/published patents. Supported by GE, his team developed medical AI software, which is incorporated into CT scanners and in clinical translation. He is a Fellow of IEEE, SPIE, AAPM, OSA, AIMBE, AAAS, and National Academy of Inventors (NAI), further distinguished by the RPI Wiley Distinguished Faculty Award, IEEE R1 Outstanding Teaching Award, EMBS Career Achievement Award, SPIE Meinel Technology Award, Sigma Xi Chubb Award for Innovation, IEEE NMISC Hoffman Medical Imaging Scientist Award, among others. He will be the Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Trans. Medical Imaging from Jan. 1, 2025.
JAN JAKŮBEK
Imaging modalities for non destructive testing enabled by photon counting detectors
The photon counting imaging detectors of ionizing radiation are known for their low noise, energy sensitivity and broad dynamic range. This contribution focuses to various applications of the photon counting technology in the field of X-ray radiography and especially for nondestructive testing. Various X-ray imaging modalities beneficial for detection of specific material properties will be discussed and examples given. It will be shown that not only shapes and morphology of samples under inspection can be visualized with high resolution but also their properties such as material composition, texture (e.g. fiber orientation), polycrystalline phases and grain orientation, scattering properties (dark field) or phase properties (phase contrast). These modalities are very interesting for detection of specific structural properties such as porosity, delamination of layers (kissing bonds), waviness of fibers in composites, corrosion under insulation, quenching/annealing of steel and many others.
Jan Jakůbek, CSO, ADVACAM
Jan is the initiator and cofounder of the internationally innovative company ADVACAM, which brings new imaging technologies to science and industry. Our motto is “Imaging the unseen”.
Jan got his master's degree in mathematics and PhD in nuclear physics. Before establishing ADVACAM, he spent more than 20 years in science developing advanced imaging methods and technologies for scientific experiments in particle physics. He is the author or coauthor of 500+ highly cited articles in scientific journals with over 200,000 citations and the inventor or coinventor of 8 patents. His H-index is 209.
Jan is responsible for innovations at ADVACAM, Prague. His role in the company as Scientific Director is leading the research team, designing new imaging methods, organizing experimental work, developing algorithms for data analysis, and supervising the transfer of scientific results to the technically oriented teams. Jan got the award “EY Technology Entrepreneur of the Year 2021” in the Czech Republic.
Jiří Lauterkranc
From Van Gogh to Raphael: Unveiling the Hidden Layers of Art History using robotic system (preliminary)
TBC
Jiří Lauterkranc, art conservator, InsightART
BIO TBC
Free Registration for 1st Robo CT User Forum
April 11-12, 2025 | Prague, Czech Republic
Contact: petra.weinholdova@radalytica.com
Radalytica, U Pergamenky 1145/12, 17000 Praha 7, Czech Republic