BladeBug, a robot capable of performing inspection and maintenance tasks on offshore wind turbine blades was successfully trialed at the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s Levenmouth facility.

During the three-day trial, the remotely controlled BladeBug, from the U.K. company of the same name, performed assorted checks and tasks beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of the operator, including a Lightning Protection System (LPS) check, wherein the robot’s onboard camera enabled the LPS probe to be positioned and lowered onto the lightning receptor to perform a conductivity reading.

Source: BladeBug

In addition to performing tasks such as scanning wind turbine blades for inconsistencies, imperfections and cracks while adhering to the vertically positioned blades via the robot’s vacuum-padded feet, BladeBug was able to traverse all 80 m of the turbine blade under testing.

According to the makers of BladeBug, the robot’s ability to carry out such tasks could potentially cut offshore wind maintenance costs and allow for improved efficiency.

For more information on BladeBug, watch the accompanying video that appears courtesy of BladeBug.