Abstract
Soft robots, such as GE Aerospace’s Sensiworm, are revolutionizing industrial asset maintenance with "minimally invasive" inspection capabilities. These bio-inspired robotic worms integrate flexible hybrid electronics, allowing multi-sensing, energy harvesting, processing, and communication. With stretchable conducting inks, they can perform inspections on irregular surfaces, detecting issues like corrosion, wear, leaks, cracks, and misalignment in industrial assets like aircraft engines. The Sensiworm can also carry out repair tasks such as lubrication and sealing.
However, to enhance performance, improvements are needed in interconnect density and temperature tolerance. Currently, the Sensiworm operates after engine cool-down, limiting inspection speed. By using SunRay Scientific’s ZTACH® Anisotropic Conductive Epoxy (ACE) and stretchable inks, the Sensiworm could achieve higher reliability and resolution, enabling faster, real-time inspections. ZTACH® ACE is a proven interconnect solution that enhances structural strength and vibration isolation, critical for flexible electronics. It also supports high-volume production and domestic manufacturing, making it ideal for meeting stringent industry standards and national needs. This technology has the potential to significantly improve mission readiness and maintenance efficiency in critical industries.
Biography
Madhu has 25 years of experience in executive leadership roles across manufacturing, supply chain, sales and product management spanning various industries such as electronics packaging, conductive adhesives, medical devices, LED lighting and engineered plastics. She was the youngest and first female Plant Manager appointed at Philips Lighting. She has led and executed various company transformations and acquisitions. Madhu received her degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.