Atommash Deploys New Robot to Inspect Welds
The system works about 30 percent faster than a human inspector.
The Atommash plant in Russia's Rostov Region has deployed a new robot for ultrasonic inspection of welded joints. The system scans welds using two methods simultaneously, detecting defects and pinpointing their locations with high accuracy. It performs inspections about 30 percent faster than a human inspector, including on components with complex geometries.
The plant now operates two robotic systems for quality inspection of equipment manufactured for nuclear power plants. The technology eliminates the need for manual scanning in hard-to-reach areas and reduces spending on consumables used for ultrasonic inspection.
“This project is not a local optimization but the creation of a new technology standard for the entire industry,” said Atommash head Maxim Zhidkov. “Successful certification under Russian and international standards confirms that our robotic inspection system is a reliable and verified technology. We are now ready to deploy it more widely, offering the industry a new benchmark for quality, speed, and cost efficiency in nondestructive testing.”
