Reflections from our advanced inspection technology demonstration in Gdańsk
By Greg Drane, Commercial Director at Sutro Group
Last week, our team in Gdańsk hosted an advanced inspection technology demonstration that brought together clients and industry partners to see first-hand what we’ve been working on. It was a great opportunity to showcase the technologies that are making a real difference in how we approach asset integrity—and to have some proper conversations about the challenges people are facing in the field.
We focused on demonstrating how these technologies deliver tangible benefits: safer working environments, reduced costs, and better information for making decisions about asset management. Thanks to everyone who attended, and to our team who put in a lot of work to make it happen.
A comprehensive display of capability
The event featured an extensive range of inspection technologies, each addressing specific challenges faced by industries such as oil and gas, renewable energy, and industrial manufacturing. Here’s what we demonstrated:
HOMC Taps technique for storage tank inspections
One of the highlights was our presentation of the HOMC Taps technique, specifically designed for inspecting the critical zone of storage tanks—the connection between the tank wall and floor. This area is particularly vulnerable to corrosion damage, which can lead to catastrophic failures if left undetected. By utilising this advanced technique, we can accurately assess tank bottom sheet metal for corrosion damage without requiring costly and disruptive shutdowns.
HOMC Cups technique for pipeline support inspections
Corrosion under pipeline supports (CUPS) is a persistent challenge in the energy sector. Our demonstration of the HOMC Cups technique showcased how we can detect and assess this hidden corrosion efficiently, helping clients implement proactive maintenance strategies before minor issues become major problems.
Elios 3 drone technology
The Elios 3 continues to be a game-changer in confined space inspections. During the demonstration, we showcased its advanced capabilities including confined space mapping and Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT). The ability to capture detailed LiDAR scans and thermal imaging data while navigating complex internal structures means our clients can inspect assets that were previously inaccessible or required significant safety measures to access manually.
The Elios 3’s collision-resilient design, IP-44 rugged construction, and exceptional stability make it ideal for the toughest industrial environments—from dust-filled tanks to confined spaces where traditional inspection methods simply aren’t viable.
Eddyfi robotic inspection
Our Eddyfi robotic inspection system demonstrated the power of remote visual inspection combined with thickness measurement capabilities. This technology enables us to deploy robotic crawlers into pipelines, tanks, and other confined spaces, collecting high-resolution visual data and precise thickness measurements without human entry.
PAUT technology for weld inspections
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) represents the cutting edge of non-destructive testing for weld inspections and wind turbine hub assessments. During the demonstration, we illustrated how PAUT provides detailed, real-time imaging of internal defects, allowing for accurate evaluation of structural integrity. This is particularly crucial in renewable energy applications, where wind turbine safety and longevity are paramount.
Borescope visual inspections
We also presented our advanced borescope technology, which provides high-definition visual inspections in hard-to-reach areas. With features like 3D Phase Measurement technology, our Mentor Visual iQ VideoProbe from GE offers on-demand measurements and profile viewing, significantly improving the probability of defect detection.
The real-world impact
Every solution we demonstrated in Gdańsk addresses real challenges our clients face daily:
Enhanced safety: By deploying drones and robots into hazardous or confined spaces, we eliminate the need for personnel to enter dangerous environments. This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring that every team member goes home safely at the end of the day.
Operational efficiency: Traditional inspection methods often require extensive preparation, equipment mobilisation, and operational shutdowns. Our advanced technologies enable faster inspections with minimal disruption, translating directly to reduced downtime and cost savings.
Data-driven decision making: High-resolution imaging, thermal data, and precise thickness measurements provide clients with the comprehensive information they need to make informed decisions about maintenance, repairs, and asset management strategies.
Cost effectiveness: By avoiding scaffolding, cranes, and extensive access equipment, our solutions deliver significant cost savings while maintaining—and often exceeding—the quality of traditional inspection methods.
The future of industrial inspections
The Gdańsk demonstration reinforced something we’ve always believed: the future of industrial inspections lies in the intelligent integration of advanced technologies with human expertise. As industries evolve and infrastructure ages, the demand for safer, faster, and more accurate inspection methods will only intensify.
We’re seeing this across sectors. The renewable energy industry is growing rapidly, requiring sophisticated inspection solutions for wind turbines, solar farms, and offshore installations. The oil and gas sector continues to demand reliable NDT and access services for ageing infrastructure. And emerging technologies like robotics and AI-powered analytics are opening up possibilities we’re only beginning to explore.
At Sutro Group, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of these developments. Continuous investment in training, technology, and innovation ensures that we can meet our clients’ evolving needs today and tomorrow.
Thank you to all who attended
To everyone who attended our demonstration in Gdańsk—thank you. Your engagement, questions, and feedback remind us why we do this work. A special thanks also to our team whose dedication and hard work made the event such a success. These events aren’t just about showcasing capabilities; they’re about building partnerships, sharing knowledge, and working together to solve the complex challenges facing our industries.
If you’re interested in finding out about our next event first, please register your interest for our Advanced Inspection Technology Demonstration in early 2026: Register your interest
Connect with Sutro Group
Want to discuss how our sInterested in seeing these technologies in action at your facility? Want to discuss how advanced inspection solutions can benefit your operations? Contact Sutro Group today: