From Business Insider · Deborah Abrams Kaplan · · 1m 40s
How AI fixes airplane parts faster
Safran uses synthetic data to train AI inspectors that catch defects in aircraft components while cutting inspection time in half.
In brief
Safran uses synthetic data to train AI inspectors that catch defects in aircraft components while cutting inspection time in half. AI inspection works best when companies use synthetic data to supplement limited real-world examples, enabling faster quality checks without sacrificing accuracy. Originally reported by…
Airplane toilets need perfect inspections
Safran inspectors spend 20 to 30 minutes checking each lavatory lid for paint bubbles, scratches, and color consistency. Experienced inspectors catch 90% of defects, but fatigue causes detection rates to drop.
“Some inspection professionals have been performing these quality-assurance roles at Safran for more than 10 years”
AI needs enough data to work
AI can speed up quality checks, but it requires large datasets to train properly. When companies don't have enough real data, they can use synthetic data, or artificial information that mimics real examples.
“only if companies have enough data to train the technology”
Synthetic data solves the scarcity problem
Companies like Loopr AI create artificial training data from computer-generated images and 3D models. This lets manufacturers like Safran simulate production scenarios without needing thousands of real examples upfront.
“it's extremely hard to have thousands of data sets very early on”
AI cuts inspection time in half
With Loopr's AI, Safran reduced toilet seat inspection from 20 to 30 minutes down to 5 to 10 minutes. The system automatically generates defect reports that inspectors previously created by hand.
“inspection now takes five to 10 minutes”
The AI catches nearly all defects
Loopr's technology achieved 90.9% recall on Safran's project, meaning it identified nearly all scratches, paint discoloration, and paint bubbles. The system learns visual defect characteristics and the specific parts where they appear.
“achieved a 90.9% recall”
Production output jumps 10 to 15 percent
Faster inspections mean Safran can produce more parts and send them to final assembly sooner. The company is now rolling out Loopr's technology to facilities in Marysville, Washington and Santa Maria, California.
“we're able to produce 10% to 15% more than before”
What it means
AI inspection works best when companies use synthetic data to supplement limited real-world examples, enabling faster quality checks without sacrificing accuracy.
