like this bit! Looking further ahead, the next generation of...

like this bit!

Looking further ahead, the next generation of aircraft may incorporate structural sensors to warn of impending damage or weakness in wings and fuselages. OEMs already use a variety of such sensors in testing and research and have proved the viability of embedding strain gauges into materials such as carbon fiber.
Airbus points out durability and reliability are critical when it comes to structural sensors. “New-generation sensors are coming on the market which could replace traditional non-destructive inspection equipment used for specific maintenance tasks, and Airbus is continuously evaluating possible use cases on both metallic and composite structures,” adds Baker.