UKRI Stories | Blade BUG: the robot that can repair wind turbines @UKResearchandInnovation | Uploaded November 2021 | Updated October 2024, 9 hours ago.
The UK is the world leader in offshore wind - we have more installed capacity than any other country in the world. We're also leading in developing innovative solutions to improve how offshore wind farms work.
Offshore wind turbines need to be maintained and repaired. Rope access technicians have to scale the turbines to inspect the blades, which is a hugely risky task. As the turbines get bigger and further from shore, the risk and cost involved in repair and maintenance will only increase.
That's why Chris Cieslak created the BladeBUG robot. The robot can climb all parts of a wind turbine, including the curved blades, using the suction cups on its legs. It is also kitted out with a toolbox, so that it can perform repairs.
Chris designed the robot so that it could become a tool for the offshore industry: a ubiquitous piece of equipment that can survey and repair all parts of the turbine.
Watch the video to see just how challenging turbine repair conditions can be, and how BladeBUG could transform the process.
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The UK is the world leader in offshore wind - we have more installed capacity than any other country in the world. We're also leading in developing innovative solutions to improve how offshore wind farms work.
Offshore wind turbines need to be maintained and repaired. Rope access technicians have to scale the turbines to inspect the blades, which is a hugely risky task. As the turbines get bigger and further from shore, the risk and cost involved in repair and maintenance will only increase.
That's why Chris Cieslak created the BladeBUG robot. The robot can climb all parts of a wind turbine, including the curved blades, using the suction cups on its legs. It is also kitted out with a toolbox, so that it can perform repairs.
Chris designed the robot so that it could become a tool for the offshore industry: a ubiquitous piece of equipment that can survey and repair all parts of the turbine.
Watch the video to see just how challenging turbine repair conditions can be, and how BladeBUG could transform the process.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are UK Research and Innovation, the body that allocates government funds for research. If you're a UK tax payer, your contributions help fund the work we showcase on our channel. And if you liked this video, follow us on these channels:
Medium: medium.com/@UKRI
Instagram: instagram.com/weareukri
Facebook: facebook.com/weareUKRI
YouTube: youtube.com/c/UKResearchandInnovation
Or sign up for our weekly newsletter public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKRI/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKRI_newsletter
