DASEL SL

Their core work

DASEL is a Madrid-based SME specializing in non-destructive testing (NDT) systems and inspection robotics for industrial applications. They develop sensor-based inspection technologies for transport infrastructure (railway running gear, carbodies) and aerospace manufacturing (composite airframe parts). Their work spans from hybrid aerial-ground inspection robots for pipe corrosion to structural health monitoring and automated quality control in advanced manufacturing processes.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

DASEL began with inspection robotics — designing hybrid aerial-ground robots for pipe corrosion detection (HYFLIERS, 2018). Their focus then shifted toward transport and aerospace inspection: railway carbody and running gear maintenance (Gearbodies, 2020), and quality control for advanced composite manufacturing (DOMMINIO, 2021). The trajectory shows a clear move from robotic platforms toward integrated digital inspection and monitoring systems embedded in manufacturing and maintenance workflows.

DASEL is moving from standalone inspection robots toward embedded digital monitoring and quality assurance for advanced manufacturing, making them increasingly relevant for Industry 4.0 and aerospace supply chain projects.

How they like to work

DASEL participates exclusively as a partner, never as coordinator, which is typical for a specialist SME contributing focused technical capabilities to larger consortia. With 34 unique partners across 12 countries in just 3 projects, they operate in large, multinational consortia and appear comfortable integrating their inspection technologies into broader system-level projects. Their consistent role as participant suggests they are sought after for their specific NDT and sensor expertise rather than for project management capacity.

DASEL has built a surprisingly broad network for a small company — 34 unique partners across 12 countries through just 3 projects. This indicates participation in large consortia with significant European reach, likely connecting them to major rail, aerospace, and robotics players.

What sets them apart

DASEL sits at the intersection of NDT sensor technology and digital inspection — a niche that spans robotics, rail transport, and aerospace manufacturing. Few SMEs can offer inspection expertise across such different domains (pipe corrosion, railway carbodies, composite airframes), which makes them a versatile partner for any project requiring advanced non-destructive evaluation. Their sensor and monitoring know-how is domain-agnostic enough to transfer across sectors, yet deep enough to add real technical value.

Highlights from their portfolio

• HYFLIERS
  Developed hybrid flying-rolling robots with snake-arm for contact inspection — an unusual combination of aerial robotics and NDT that demonstrates DASEL's willingness to tackle unconventional inspection challenges.
• DOMMINIO
  Largest single grant (EUR 218,250) and represents DASEL's move into aerospace composite manufacturing with structural health monitoring and digital quality pipelines.
• Gearbodies
  Highest funding (EUR 234,375) and bridges their inspection expertise into the railway sector, covering running gear, carbodies, and lifecycle cost analysis.