Front Technologies

Who are Front Technologies?
Front Technologies Ltd is a tech start-up dedicated to R&D of engineering techniques related to inspection, testing and measurement of structural integrity of engineering components and structures, as well as biomedical engineering, medical devices etc. Our mission is to develop cutting-edge engineering solutions and harnesses technological advances to produce innovative products to serve the industry. Since incorporated in 2020, we already completed an Innovate UK funded project and developed a prototype shearography system for WTB inspections. In 2021, we organised a Horizon Europe proposal Romain, aiming to develop a robotic maintenance system for wind turbine blades with other five partners across Europe. It was selected by the European Commission for funding. The project started in 2022 and will complete in 2026.

What have you been up to in 2024?
In 2024, we continue working in the on-going Horizon Europe project Romain, focusing on developing an advanced inspection system that can be deployed by a robotic system onto wind turbine blades to detect potential subsurface defects in-situ that are difficult to be picked up by visual inspections including drone based techniques. In the same time, we are also in the planning stage to develop a new robotic deployment technique that can apply to both onshore and offshore wind turbines, with a view to revolutionizing the way how wind turbine blade maintenance will be conducted by a robotic system in the next 3-5 years.

What are your plans for the future?
Our plan for the future is to develop a game-changing robotic maintenance system and technology for wind turbine blades, both onshore and offshore, and grow the company into a world leader in the wind energy O&M (operations and maintenance) market.

Do you think Essex is a place for business? If yes, why?
We think Essex is a place for business because our company was selected by the County Council in 2023 as one of the three companies in Essex to join the Launch Academy programme in East of England, the flagship programme organised by the Offshore Renewable Catapult. As a result, we already have the support of County, which enabled the company to connect with the national research centre and other industrial end users. Hence we are keen to turn our advanced technological concepts into world leading commercial products and services, ultimately contributing to the local economy.

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