Adaptix win ATI Innovation Award 2024

Oct 9, 2024 | New, Technology

OXFORD, U.K., Oct. 08, 2024 – Adaptix named most exciting emerging technology at aerospace awards

Oxford-based low power 3D X-Ray imaging specialist Adaptix has been named the most exciting emerging technology at the Aerospace Technology and Innovation awards today.

The Innovation Award, which is presented by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), celebrates technology being developed in the UK that will support the journey to Net Zero 2050 and was presented at the ATI conference in Newport.

Adaptix received the award for its unique imaging capability developed for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) able to provide detailed images within minutes.  Originally developed and matured for the medical sector, the low-power X-Ray technology can inspect traditional, additive-manufactured, and composite components (including dry form) with a high degree of – fidelity. Delivering low-cost, 3D-imaging can be deployed quickly in the field. Through the provision of an ATI grant, the Adaptix team has been working closely with robotics experts at Cranfield University, whose expertise has been crucial in the technology’s evolution for aerospace applications.

Martin Holden, Development Engineering Manager for NDT at Adaptix, said: “We’re thrilled that the potential of our proven imaging technology to revolutionise inspection across the aerospace industry has been recognised with this award.

“Innovation is at the heart of the aerospace industry but, irrespective of how components are made, it is crucial that manufacturers, airframers and MRO businesses have the tools they need to detect potential failure points quickly and efficiently.

“As the industry moves towards lightweighting components, new methods of inspection are required to ensure they are fit for purpose. As well as inspecting structures made from traditional materials or using additive manufacturing techniques, the Adaptix 3D NDT inspection tool can detect typical failure modes in complex composite structures, such as voids, weave variation, inclusions, and needle porosity. Crucially, it can be used early in the manufacturing process, dramatically reducing waste, manufacturing- and inspection-time.

“We’re excited by its potential for the industry and receiving this award in front of an audience of key industry experts is a proud moment for us all and recognises the hard work and ingenuity of the whole Adaptix team.”

Professor Bryn C. Hughes, REng, Chief Scientist, Adaptix NDT added: “Adaptix has shown that its technology can inspect smaller aerospace parts to the level of fidelity that is of relevance to industry. It has now successfully scaled-up this capability to image large aerospace parts – such as wing parts, doors and skins – while maintaining the required resolution. Working closely in partnership with experts at Cranfield University, facilitated through this ATI grant, has allowed us to explore the integration of the capability on to twin robotic systems. This is a hugely exciting development and has the potential for a real game change in in situ NDT.

“Scaling up imaging technologies while maintaining image fidelity is a significant engineering challenge but one that we have welcomed.  Adaptix is proud to win the ATI Innovation Award and looks forward to playing a key role hastening the incorporation of composite materials into aerospace sector in pursuit of our Net Zero goals.”

Professor Phil Webb, FIET, Royal Academy of Engineering and Airbus Professor of Industrial Robotics and Assembly and Cranfield University lead on the project, said: “This is a great example of what can be done when two groups with very different knowledge and expertise come together with an open and collaborative spirit. As a Team we are immensely proud of the work done and the truly innovative outcome we have achieved through working together.”

Adaptix NDT3D has been supported by the Aerospace Technology Institute, the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme and the National Composites Centre. Its mobile 3D NDT technology delivers comparable results to CT, X-ray and Ultrasonic testing, with several key benefits including significantly reduced scan times and reduced X-ray power and exclusion zones meaning imaging equipment can be brought directly to an aerospace structure with minimum disruption to busy hangars.

The technology will be on show at the Advanced Engineering Show at NEC Birmingham on 30-31 October.

Chris has led a highly successful career overseeing Medtech growth into domestic and international markets, including the Americas, UK, EMEA, and APAC. With more than 25 years of sales and commercial leadership experience, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role as a key member of the Adaptix team. Chris is a highly motivated individual with a strong collaborative focus, dedicated to driving Adaptix towards continued success in the global marketplace

Elaine holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Galway in Ireland, where she developed a strong foundation in engineering principles and problem-solving skills. She began her professional career with CRH, a leading international building materials company, where she honed her expertise in procuring and delivering large-scale industrial projects. During her tenure with CRH, Elaine gained invaluable experience working in diverse locations, including Ireland, Ukraine, and Belgium, where she played a crucial role in managing complex projects across different cultures and regulatory environments.

Elaine also holds an MBA from Vlerick Business School in Belgium, which further enhances her strategic thinking and leadership capabilities. She is APM certified, reflecting her commitment to excellence in project management.

Jen Carter, FCCA, is a qualified Accountant with over 14 years’ of experience in finance. Qualifying at Grant Thornton, she obtained audit, tax, and project management experience before joining Adaptix at the start of 2022. Jen has continued to expand her role within Adaptix and became Company Secretary in 2024.

Carla Taylor (ACIM), is a professional marketeer with over 20 years' experience within a wide variety of tech-based companies.

Carla's background spans a number of industries including electronics, ANPR, finance, laser imaging and laser micromachining.

Hannah Lawrence-Lelitte (Assoc. CIPD) has extensive experience of strategic people leadership and leading change initiatives.  Her career has focused on working with organisations who believe that developing their people is the key to business success.

As an Executive Coach and Mentor, she is skilled at working with senior leaders to effect systemic change either by working with them or their team members individually or in groups.

Hannah has a background in Organisational Psychology and Transactional Analysis and holds a BSc in Psychology from the University of Surrey.  Hannah is a qualified HR Professional having achieved a Level 7 certificate in HR Management from the CIPD.  She is also a member of the EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council).

Martin Stofanko has a PhD in Immunology and MSc in Applied Genetics from University of Birmingham. Following Postdoctoral work at University of Cambridge he moved into industry in Brazil developing genetic tests for their low budget public healthcare system.

He is experienced in defining, executing and writing up quality assurance and technical documentations for IVDs and up to class IIa sterile MDs in the UK, Brazil and Germany. He has lead validation, external testing and transfer to manufacturing activities within company and outsourced abroad. He has established and extended ISO 13485 QMS from D&D to manufacturing, sales and distribution.

John has 30+ Years industry experience with a comprehensive background within Global Roles in Semiconductor, Electronics and Medical Device Industries.

Areas of expertise include, Start Up Operations, Programme and Performance Management, New Product Introduction and Product Outsource/Transfer.

Conrad Dirckx has a BA in Computer Science and PhD in MRI Imaging from Cambridge University as well as a master’s degree from the Ecole Centrale Paris in real-time computing. He has worked for GE Healthcare in their workstation, vascular x-ray and MRI business units and prior to joining Adaptix, spent 11 years working for Siemens in their molecular imaging division leading development projects for cardiology, neurology and oncology software products.

He is an APMP certified project manager who helped to pioneer the transition to lean/agile software development within Siemens MI.

Andy graduated with an Engineering Masters and boxing Blue from Oxford University, then gained Chartered Engineer status as a project manager while working for the Ministry of Defence. On the MOD Fast Stream, Andy gained corporate and leadership experience in a variety of strategic roles as well as leading counter terrorism teams in Iraq. Andy was awarded the Iraq medal and formally commended for changing the Coalition Forces campaign strategy.

Andy then went into leadership consulting & coaching (clients now diplomats & in No.10) and also moved into the commercial sector founding a film & TV company, raising finance and building relationships with the major studios. While he got the companies up and running Andy secured acting roles in Coronation Street and Emmerdale to help pay the bills.

Steve Wells spent 12 years developing medical devices for Siemens Molecular Imaging before joining Adaptix.

He has a PhD in Neuroscience, MSc in Medical Physics and a Natural Sciences degree from Cambridge. Prior to Siemens he worked as a software engineer on various commercial science projects.

Dr Siân Phillips MB,BCh MRCP FRCR is an experienced Consultant Radiologist based in South Wales.
She gained her undergraduate and postgraduate medical training in Wales. She has held several leadership roles during her career, including Associate Dean and Head of School at Health Education
and Improvement Wales; chair of Medical Imaging Sub-Committee and Imaging Essential Services Group, advising Welsh Government; and Clinical Director. As part of her active involvement in teaching and training, she has been involved in developing undergraduate curricula, been an FRCR examiner at the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR), and was instrumental in establishing and developing the National Imaging Academy, Wales. As a Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists, she plays an active role in RCR activity.
Siân has extensive experience with Digital Tomosynthesis imaging in the general clinical setting. Her service was the first clinical department in the UK, second in Europe to introduce this innovative
technology. Her experiences with digital tomosynthesis she has shared widely, presenting at international conferences worldwide. She has sat on the Medical Advisory Board of GE Healthcare and acted as Medical Advisor to Adaptix for several years.

Adrian Crockett, BAcc, FCMA is a chartered management accountant who previously held the CFO position at Ocean Harvest Technology PLC where he helped raise £6m via an IPO, Thruvision PLC where he managed significant revenue growth towards £10m and at Venture Life PLC, an AIM listed consumer healthcare company where he was involved in the M&A of a number of businesses, participated in equity capital raises of over £25m and a revolving debt facility of similar with major UK & US banks. Before this he held senior financial management roles at Abbott Diabetes Care Ltd, a division of the US Healthcare company, Abbott, GSK & Novartis.

Sarah Small BSc, ACA is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience of leading financial functions, including C-level experience within an AIM listed company.

Sarah has worked across a various number of industry sectors including digital marketing, retail, entertainment, education and construction. Sarah has a mathematics degree from Warwick University.