D-Tex Visual presents new AI sensors
12/02/2026
D-Tex Visual, a company that focuses on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) sensors for safety and maintenance purposes within the theme park industry, has announced its latest innovation, Bolt-iT. The company claims that this is the first in a range of detection products for condition-based monitoring (CBM) that leverages the power of AI within the sensor.
Bolt-iT can be attached to existing fixings, joints and infrastructure without disassembly, preserving the original integrity of the assembly.
After installation, the technology detects nut or bolt rotation, bending, shear, stretching and changes in vibration levels, as well as triple-axis pitch and roll of any asset. This makes it ideal for identifying structural movement caused by geological or natural
events.
Lee Hollinshead, Founder of D-Tex Visual, has always had an interest in theme parks and rollercoasters, but after noticing paint markers on bolts during a day out, he began researching theme park procedures, maintenance methods and incidents.
“The current methods in place for bolt and structure monitoring were old and antiquated, providing mere ‘snapshots’ of their status while the paint strips are being observed. It was also clear that incidents were continuing to happen and, as the rides were now pushing boundaries and were much more advanced, there was a need to improve the monitoring too.
“This led to the start of numerous concept designs and simple proof-of-concept models that could apply modern technology. These got more advanced and refined, to the point where Bolt-iT with integrated AI was achieved.”
The technology from D-Tex Visual offers benefits that go beyond enhancing guest and staff safety. Bolt-iT helps operators to save time and money on inspections while also reducing risks for employees. It is designed to support, not replace, inspections by reducing their frequency, saving staff time and potentially cutting equipment rental costs.
Fewer inspections mean that engineers are less exposed to hazards linked to working at heights and in dangerous areas. The time saved can be redirected to other tasks, boosting overall efficiency.
“The implementation of these measures can also bolster safety programmes and initiatives, showcasing to investors and visitors alike that every possible avenue is being explored by your company to ensure the safety of both guests and staff on these high-profile projects,” Lee added.
“In essence, if you can enhance safety for guests and staff while simultaneously lowering inspection costs through the deployment of strategic AI sensors, why would you not take advantage of this opportunity?”
Michael Sim, member of BINDT, called Bolt-iT “a fantastic product that could potentially save lives and be an early warning sign for a potential catastrophic failure,” while David Bromilow, Global Director for Parks and Attractions at Mobaro, said it is “a very clever bit of kit,” adding that he had a demonstration recently and was amazed by the sensitivity and the live data it provides.
“By embedding electrical signature analysis (ESA) directly into the modernised drives, we unlock predictive insights across the entire powertrain. This transforms drives into intelligent sensors that anticipate potential faults, helping industries operate leaner, cleaner and smarter,” Lee concluded.
