ZAL GmbH, together with 3D.aero GmbH and the Institute of Aircraft Production Technology (IFPT), developed the project Automated Quality Inspection, which has now reached the final of the Crystal Cabin Award 2026.

The system envisions a mobile robot that autonomously navigates through the cabin, captures high-resolution images, and uses artificial intelligence to detect anomalies such as scratches, seam deviations, or discolorations. Automated Quality Inspection detects cabin defects immediately – from scratches to discolorations. The AI-based anomaly detection is not trained on defects but on the flawless product. This enables inspections to be carried out quickly and with high precision, saving users effort, time, and costs. In addition, the system creates a detailed 3D twin that enables remote assessment.

The final presentation before the Crystal Cabin Award jury will take place on April 13, ahead of the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX).

The concept is based on the joint research project DrumView, which was launched last year and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The project is also supported by the Hamburg Investment and Development Bank (IFB Hamburg).

The project team includes Thilo Fryen, Martin Gromniak and Constantin Deneke at ZAL GmbH, Felix Kruse at 3D.aero GmbH, and Lukas Bath at IFPT, TU Hamburg.