D-Tex Visual, a company that focuses on the development of AI sensors for safety and maintenance purposes within the theme park industry, has announced its latest innovation, Bolt-iT. This is the first in a range of detection products for condition-based monitoring (CBM) that leverage the power of AI within the sensor.
Bolt-iT can be attached to existing fixings, joints, and infrastructure without disassembly, preserving the original assembly's integrity.
After installation, the technology detects nut or bolt rotation, bending, shear, stretching, and changes in vibration levels, as well as triple-axis pitch and roll of any asset. This makes it ideal for identifying structural movement caused by geological or natural events.
As rides push boundaries, monitoring must improve, too
Founder Lee Hollinshead has always had an interest in theme parks and coasters, but after noticing paint markers on bolts during a day out, he began researching theme park procedures, maintenance methods, and incidents.
"The current methods in place for bolt and structure monitoring were old and antiquated, providing mere ‘snapshots’ of their status while the paint strips are being observed. It was also clear that incidents were continuing to happen, and as the rides were now pushing boundaries and were much more advanced, there was a need to improve the monitoring, too.
"This led to the start of numerous concept designs and simple proof of concept models that could apply modern technology. These got more advanced and refined to the point where Bolt-iT with integrated AI was achieved."
D-Tex Visual's technology offers benefits that go beyond enhancing guest and staff safety. Bolt-iT helps operators save time and money on inspections while also reducing risks for employees. It is designed to support, not replace, inspections by reducing their frequency, saving staff time, and potentially cutting equipment rental costs.
Fewer inspections mean engineers are less exposed to hazards linked to working at heights and in dangerous areas. The time saved can be redirected to other tasks, boosting overall efficiency.
"The implementation of these measures can also bolster safety programs and initiatives, showcasing to investors and visitors alike that every possible avenue is being explored by your company to ensure the safety of both guests and staff on these high-profile projects," adds Hollinshead.
"In essence, if you can enhance safety for guests and staff while simultaneously lowering inspection costs through the deployment of strategic AI sensors, why would you not take advantage of this opportunity?"
More efficient running
D-Tex Visual seeks more theme park operators and ride manufacturers who are willing to invest in innovation to improve their products. Manufacturers also have an opportunity to collaborate with D-Tex Visual by integrating the technology into rides during manufacturing, either as a standard feature or as an optional upgrade for their clients.
"There is a clear roadmap of further features for our sensor, some of which are already underway. Third-party integrations and applications to coaster trains are on the horizon," says Hollinshead.
"By providing reassurance that the bolts and structures that make up these exhilarating rides are monitored 24/7, D-Tex Visual would like to support the operators in reducing the element of risk associated with these rides.
"Ultimately, as the risk of potential failure is reduced, and with enough adoption by the industry, we would like to see this reduce the cost of the insurance, thus having a positive effect on the running costs and sustainability of theme parks."
Michael Sim, board director at BINDT, calls Bolt-iT a: “fantastic product that could potentially save lives and be an early warning sign for a potential catastrophic failure," while David Bromilow, global director for parks & attractions at Mobaro, says it is "a very clever bit of kit," adding: "Had a demo recently and was amazed by the sensitivity and the live data it provides.”
The company has in-house PCB design, AI software development and overall system design capabilities.
