The nondestructive testing (NDT) industry is standing at the threshold of a technological transformation. As new tools and methodologies emerge, the need for unified guidance has never been greater, which is why the industry's leading standards organizations—ASNT, ASTM, and AWS—came together during NDT Week.

In an on-site interview, ASNT Chief Global Strategy Officer Paul Lang shared his insights on what this historic collaboration means for the future of the industry and how organizations are preparing to navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence (AI).

The Power of a Unified Front

Historically, different organizations have managed various aspects of NDT standards and certifications; however, the rapid pace of technological advancement requires a more integrated approach. Leaders, experts, and innovators in NDT standards gathered for NDT Week from 18–23 January 2026 at AWS headquarters in Miami, Florida. This event featured in-person meetings for key groups, including the ASTM E07, ASNT Certification Management Council (CMC), ASNT Standards Council, ASNT Technical and Education Council, and AWS Standards committees.

By bringing these critical organizations together under one roof, the industry established a "neutral playing ground" where deep, productive conversations could happen. Attendees didn't just discuss policy; the event also featured expert speakers presenting and demonstrating emerging NDT technologies, providing a firsthand look at the cutting-edge advancements currently shaping the industry.

AI: Enhancing the Inspector, Not Replacing Them

Artificial intelligence has moved beyond a mere buzzword; it is actively reshaping the landscape of nondestructive testing. However, rather than replacing the human element, Lang emphasizes that AI's biggest influence will be its ability to enhance the capabilities of inspectors and examiners.

The integration of AI will fundamentally change how examiners conduct inspections. Moving forward, NDT professionals will need to focus heavily on data analysis. As AI tools process vast amounts of inspection data, the examiner's role will shift toward interpreting those advanced analytics to make critical safety and quality decisions.

The Demand for a Standardized AI Framework

One of the most pressing challenges currently facing the NDT industry is how to properly implement AI. Currently, there are more questions than answers.

Industry organizations have made it clear: they do not want to develop their own individual frameworks for AI from scratch. Doing so would create a fractured, difficult-to-navigate landscape. Instead, the industry relies on standards bodies like ASNT, ASTM, and AWS to standardize these practices.

A primary goal of the collaborative discussions at NDT Week was to begin coalescing around a holistic framework for AI. This framework will provide the industry with a standardized roadmap detailing how AI models should be developed and validated, and how organizations can safely bring AI systems into their existing workflows.

Looking Ahead

Organizations like ASNT, ASTM, and ASTM establishing a standardized framework will allow NDT companies and practitioners to build upon a solid foundation tailored to their needs, rather than guessing at best practices. The conversations and networking that took place between these leading standards bodies during NDT Week will provide the critical direction needed to safely and effectively guide the NDT industry into its next technological era.

If you would like to be involved in the conversation, learn more about ASNT standards and how you can get involved. You can also hear more from Neal Couture, FASAE, CAE, ASNT Chief Executive Officer, in the interview below (recorded on-site at NDT Week).