NDE 4.0: Smart NDE

Current nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and testing practices are burdened by "conventional wisdom," which requires that the operator be involved in all aspects of the data collection, transfer, and analysis. Many of these shortcomings are rooted in inefficiency and can be addressed by updating standard practices to be more aligned with Industry 4.0 or Smart Manufacturing practices. In this document, we intend to delve deeper into the challenges for NDE and discuss how to take it to the next generation: "NDE 4.0" or "Smart NDE." Industry challenges, implementation aspects, and ethical considerations are discussed while recognizing the important influences by and on infrastructure, people, equipment, and data. This philosophy has a significant work-flow and behavioral impact in the laboratory and even a manufacturing environment, especially for research and advanced technology organizations.