In the field of nondestructive testing (NDT), industrial ultrasonic testing (UT) is a long-established method for ensuring the quality of critical composites, metals, alloys, and industrial assets with complex geometries. However, new materials and components are finding their way to the industry, requiring continuous technological advances to improve the reliability and, most importantly, the practicality of ultrasonic technology. As industry faces increasingly stringent regulations and standards compliance, a shortage of qualified personnel, and increasing inspection requirements in all industries worldwide, the need for smarter, more efficient inspection methods has become paramount.

While in the past R&D focused primarily on improving and refining hardware, today’s efforts include electronics and software-based automation in UT inspection solutions - from large testing machines to manually operated handheld devices. Where previously many mechanisms had to be controlled manually, the goal now and in the future is to drastically reduce these mechanics, increase automation and operator support in industrial UT inspection and provide a multi-dimensional and more compact technology which ensures the highest possible defect detection and reduces the potential for human error in operation.