Overview

In Aerospace and Defense, precision is not optional—it’s critical. The integrity of every component, material, and surface must meet exacting standards, often under regulatory oversight. Traditional manual inspection methods are vulnerable to human error, fatigue, and inconsistent documentation.

NorrStudio, developed by Sweden’s leading AI inspection company NorrSpect, brings cutting-edge machine vision and deep learning to the frontline of aerospace material inspection. From cleanroom part validation to detecting micro-corrosion and fiber frays, NorrStudio helps ensure that no defect goes undetected—before it’s ever assembled into a critical system.

About NorrSpect

NorrSpect, based in Umeå, Sweden, is a pioneer in industrial AI systems, with deep expertise in high-precision inspection technologies. With a proven track record serving elite manufacturers like Volvo Cars, NorrSpect applies its advanced computer vision expertise to complex, compliance-heavy sectors like Aerospace and Defense—through its flagship platform, NorrStudio.

Industry Challenge: Material Defects with Critical Risk Potential

Incoming materials and components—especially metals, composites, and insulation—must meet stringent specifications. Any defect, contamination, or deviation can compromise airworthiness, mission-readiness, or system reliability.

Manual inspection routines are often inconsistent and lack traceability, leading to:

• Missed early-stage corrosion on rivets or fasteners

• Undetected FOD (foreign object debris) in clean part packaging

• Surface anomalies on composite skins

• Incorrect material dimensions or finishes

• Fiber fraying on insulation wraps not visible under normal lighting

Typical Input/Material QA Issues:

• FOD on sealed or cleanroom-classified parts

• Composite delamination on arrival from suppliers

• Incorrect metal sheet thickness against design tolerances

• Early-stage corrosion on rivet/fastener surfaces

• Loose fibers or fabric defects in insulation rolls

• Paint degradation on stored or rotated spare parts

Each of these issues can:

• Cause assembly rejections or scrapping

• Lead to failures during vibration or flight testing

• Disrupt supply chain certifications

• Trigger re-audits and non-conformance reports (NCRs)

Solution: NorrStudio for AI-Based Material Inspection

NorrStudio is trained on aerospace-grade materials and part geometries, providing real-time, automated inspection of incoming goods. The platform can be deployed inline, at receiving bays, or in quality labs to ensure each component meets specification before entering the assembly process.

What NorrStudio Detects:

• Foreign Object Debris (FOD) using contrast and anomaly detection

• Composite delamination or surface splits via structured lighting analysis

• Out-of-spec thickness using multi-angle imaging or sensor fusion

• Surface oxidation or corrosion through micro-texture recognition

• Fiber irregularities on thermal blankets or insulation

• Paint peeling or flaking on metallic parts in storage

Deployment Scenario

• Facility Type: Tier-1 aerospace parts supplier

• Inspection Zone: Goods-inward bay and material preparation zone

• Cycle Time: <6 seconds per part surface scan

• Output: Real-time pass/fail decision, image log, defect classification, and traceable reports

• Integration: ERP/MES systems and digital part certification workflows

Use Case: Military Aircraft Subsystem Supplier

Challenge:

A supplier of subsystems for military aircraft was experiencing late-stage rejections due to:

• Tiny corrosion spots on stored rivet batches

• Occasional FOD found during cleanroom part unpacking

• Composite skin delamination from a certified supplier

Solution:

NorrStudio was deployed in the supplier’s material inspection area, covering:

• Incoming rivet and fastener trays

• Composite panels received from third-party vendors

• Spare parts withdrawn from bonded stores

Results Over 3 Months:

• Detected 3.1% more defects that were missed in manual checks

• Enabled traceable QA reports with visual logs for every part

• Flagged inconsistent insulation materials across 2 lots

• Reduced rework and NCR filings by over 60%

Customer Impact

Why Aerospace & Defense Teams Choose NorrStudio

• Inspects with micron-level accuracy and consistency

• Reduces QA reliance on human visual fatigue

• Provides AI-driven traceability for audits and compliance

• Handles multi-material inputs (metal, composites, fabric, foam)

• Seamlessly integrates with ERP and supplier certification platforms

• Enhances early detection, preventing downstream risks