Outlook
Edge computers introduce two
important uncouplings in the traditional
system. First, they uncouple the inspec-
tion software from the acquisition elec-
tronics, allowing flexible signal analysis,
fusion of multiple NDE modalities, and
the integration of real-time AI/ML eval-
uation. Second, automated processing
uncouples the evaluation from the
inspector. In automated inspections, the
“middleman” evolves into a hub that
automatically oversees the acquisition
and quality of NDE data, evaluates the
data, and forwards reports to inspec-
tors for review and final judgment. This
appears to be a pivotal role that enables
full NDE 4.0. Perhaps this should not
come as a surprise, as edge computers
are assuming a similar role in other areas
of Industry 4.0 as well.
Conclusion
In the traditional NDE world, edge
computers had no role. They appeared
in the margins of our industry as a way
to connect AI/ML to existing procedures
locally. It seems this is only the begin-
ning, and these small boxes have a far
greater role to play in NDE’s future. In
the next year, we’ll see more and more
specialized inspections made possible
by edge computing. We’ll see these
boxes provide support for oversight in
the hands of end users. We’ll see them
improve automated inspections in manu-
facturing and various other industry
sectors. In the process, NDE will also
become more software-driven.
AUTHOR
Iikka Virkkunen: Managing
Director, Trueflaw Oy, Espoo, Finland
iikka.virkkunen@trueflaw.com
ASNT WINS TWO
TRENDY AWARDS
ASNT received two 2025 TRENDY
Awards last month in an annual
awards ceremony recognizing
associations’ best and most unique
communications and marketing
pieces, organized by Association
TRENDS. The July 2024 issue of
Materials Evaluation, a technical
focus issue on direct and remote
visual testing, was recognized with a
gold TRENDY Award in the monthly
professional society magazine
category. ASNT’s social media team
also earned a bronze TRENDY Award
in the best social media category
for their promotion of the ASNT
Foundation’s 2024 golf tournament.
|
SOCIETYNOTES
NDE Outlook focuses on possibility thinking
for NDT and NDE. Topics may include technology
trends, research in progress, or calls to action. To
contribute, please contact Associate Technical Editor
Ripi Singh at ripi@inspiringnext.com.
Learn more at aws.org/certified
AWS offers nine certification categories
designed to address all segments of the
welding industry and match your goals.
READY TO TAKE
THE NEXT STEP?
BECOME AWS CERTIFIED
TODAY
Stay Connected aws.org
A P R I L 2 0 2 5 • M AT E R I A L S E V A L U AT I O N 15
Edge computers introduce two
important uncouplings in the traditional
system. First, they uncouple the inspec-
tion software from the acquisition elec-
tronics, allowing flexible signal analysis,
fusion of multiple NDE modalities, and
the integration of real-time AI/ML eval-
uation. Second, automated processing
uncouples the evaluation from the
inspector. In automated inspections, the
“middleman” evolves into a hub that
automatically oversees the acquisition
and quality of NDE data, evaluates the
data, and forwards reports to inspec-
tors for review and final judgment. This
appears to be a pivotal role that enables
full NDE 4.0. Perhaps this should not
come as a surprise, as edge computers
are assuming a similar role in other areas
of Industry 4.0 as well.
Conclusion
In the traditional NDE world, edge
computers had no role. They appeared
in the margins of our industry as a way
to connect AI/ML to existing procedures
locally. It seems this is only the begin-
ning, and these small boxes have a far
greater role to play in NDE’s future. In
the next year, we’ll see more and more
specialized inspections made possible
by edge computing. We’ll see these
boxes provide support for oversight in
the hands of end users. We’ll see them
improve automated inspections in manu-
facturing and various other industry
sectors. In the process, NDE will also
become more software-driven.
AUTHOR
Iikka Virkkunen: Managing
Director, Trueflaw Oy, Espoo, Finland
iikka.virkkunen@trueflaw.com
ASNT WINS TWO
TRENDY AWARDS
ASNT received two 2025 TRENDY
Awards last month in an annual
awards ceremony recognizing
associations’ best and most unique
communications and marketing
pieces, organized by Association
TRENDS. The July 2024 issue of
Materials Evaluation, a technical
focus issue on direct and remote
visual testing, was recognized with a
gold TRENDY Award in the monthly
professional society magazine
category. ASNT’s social media team
also earned a bronze TRENDY Award
in the best social media category
for their promotion of the ASNT
Foundation’s 2024 golf tournament.
|
SOCIETYNOTES
NDE Outlook focuses on possibility thinking
for NDT and NDE. Topics may include technology
trends, research in progress, or calls to action. To
contribute, please contact Associate Technical Editor
Ripi Singh at ripi@inspiringnext.com.
Learn more at aws.org/certified
AWS offers nine certification categories
designed to address all segments of the
welding industry and match your goals.
READY TO TAKE
THE NEXT STEP?
BECOME AWS CERTIFIED
TODAY
Stay Connected aws.org
A P R I L 2 0 2 5 • M AT E R I A L S E V A L U AT I O N 15
