Hexagon expands into non-destructive testing with major Waygate acquisition
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Hexagon’s planned acquisition of Waygate Technologies marks a shift deeper into industrial inspection and quality assurance. The move extends the company’s reach beyond metrology and digital reality solutions into nondestructive testing, a segment that is becoming central to modern manufacturing and infrastructure management.
The timing reflects broader industrial priorities. Manufacturers, energy operators and aerospace firms face tighter safety requirements alongside pressure to reduce downtime and improve asset performance. Inspection is no longer a standalone process. It is increasingly embedded into digital workflows, feeding real-time data into engineering, production and maintenance systems.
Hexagon has built its position around integrating physical and digital environments through sensors, software and analytics. Adding advanced inspection capabilities aligns with that model. It creates a pathway to connect defect detection directly with digital twins and operational intelligence platforms.
How nondestructive testing is becoming central to modern industry
Nondestructive testing refers to inspection methods that evaluate materials and components without causing damage. Technologies such as industrial computed tomography, ultrasonic testing and radiography allow operators to detect internal flaws, structural weaknesses and manufacturing defects.
Demand for these capabilities is expanding steadily. The global NDT market is expected to exceed $24 billion in 2026 and continue growing through the next decade, driven by regulatory requirements and the need for asset reliability. Industries such as aerospace and oil and gas rely heavily on inspection to meet compliance standards and prevent costly failures.
The role of NDT is also evolving. Historically, inspection has been periodic and labor intensive. Today, companies are shifting toward automated and continuous monitoring systems. AI-driven analysis is improving defect detection rates while reducing human error. Inspection data is increasingly integrated into predictive maintenance models, allowing organizations to anticipate failures before they occur.
This shift places inspection at the center of digital transformation strategies. It moves quality assurance from a checkpoint at the end of production to an ongoing, data-driven process.
What Waygate Technologies brings to Hexagon’s ecosystem
Waygate Technologies enters the transaction with a long-established presence in the NDT sector. Its portfolio includes advanced imaging and inspection systems, spanning industrial CT, radiographic testing and remote visual inspection tools. These technologies are widely used across aerospace, energy and manufacturing environments where precision and reliability are critical.
The company’s strength lies in combining hardware with software-driven inspection workflows. Its systems generate detailed data sets that can be analyzed for defect detection, structural integrity and performance optimization. This aligns closely with Hexagon’s emphasis on data integration and digital modeling.
By incorporating Waygate’s capabilities, Hexagon gains access to a broader inspection stack that complements its existing metrology and sensor technologies. The combination allows for more comprehensive quality assurance solutions, linking measurement, inspection and analysis within a unified platform.
The acquisition also expands Hexagon’s footprint in industries where NDT is essential. Aerospace manufacturing depends on high-resolution imaging to verify component integrity. Energy operators use inspection systems to monitor pipelines, turbines and other critical assets. These sectors provide stable, long-term demand for advanced inspection technologies.
The strategic implications for digital manufacturing and inspection
The integration of nondestructive testing into Hexagon’s portfolio reflects a wider convergence in industrial technology. Boundaries between measurement, inspection and analytics are becoming less distinct. Companies are seeking end-to-end solutions that connect physical assets with digital systems.
Inspection data is a key component of this shift. When integrated with digital twins, it enables more accurate simulations and performance models. Engineers can identify potential issues earlier in the design process, while operators can monitor assets in real time.
The competitive landscape is also evolving. Consolidation is increasing as companies aim to offer integrated platforms rather than standalone tools. The ability to combine hardware, software and analytics into a cohesive system is becoming a differentiator.
AI is expected to play a growing role. Automated defect recognition and advanced analytics can improve inspection efficiency. This reduces inspection times while increasing accuracy, which is critical in industries such as aerospace and energy.
What this signals for the future of industrial technology
Hexagon’s move into nondestructive testing points to a broader transformation in how industries approach quality and performance. Inspection is no longer treated as a separate function. It is becoming embedded across the entire lifecycle, from design and production to maintenance and end-of-life management.
This shift is likely to accelerate as industries adopt more data-centric operating models. Renewable energy infrastructure, for example, requires advanced inspection to ensure reliability over long asset lifespans. At the same time, manufacturers face pressure to reduce waste and improve efficiency, making early defect detection increasingly valuable.
The combination of inspection technologies with digital platforms suggests a future where quality assurance is continuous and highly automated. Companies that can integrate these capabilities effectively will be better positioned to manage risk, optimize performance and meet evolving regulatory demands.
Hexagon’s acquisition of Waygate Technologies reflects that direction. It highlights the growing importance of inspection within the industrial technology stack and signals how companies are adapting to a more connected, data-driven environment.
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