Wind turbine maintenance robot passes key test in tough offshore conditions

Robotics firm Aerones has successfully completed an offshore test of its wind turbine maintenance technology utilising an advanced submersible winch system enabling crucial inspections in challenging offshore conditions.

Founded in 2018, Aerones has developed a robotic technology for a wide range of wind turbine blade maintenance services. The Latvian company’s robotic technology can be used remotely, ensuring that technicians need not work at dangerous heights and in risky conditions.

Announced on social media on Monday, Aerones said that it had completed a successful offshore technology test at the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult facility near Levenmouth, Scotland, marking what it called a “major milestone in robotic wind turbine maintenance.”

The trials saw Aerone technicians deploy its advanced submersible winch system to enable its robots to perform crucial inspections and repairs.

The trials saw Aerone technicians deploy its advanced submersible winch system to enable its robots to perform crucial inspections and repairs.

An innovation such as this builds on the benefits of robotic wind turbine maintenance, which gets trickier and more dangerous out at sea due to bigger turbines, longer blades and challenging offshore conditions such as stronger winds, unpredictable waves, and rapidly shifting weather conditions.

Made possible through the European Union’s BLUE project, the offshore system features submersible anchors, enabling secure and efficient operation in harsh marine environments.

“Innovation in inspection and repair technologies for the offshore wind sector will be a critical enabler of the global expansion in the renewable sector in the coming years,” said John Walker, engineering manager for development and operations at ORE Catapult.

“It presents a global opportunity for this type of innovative robotic solution, in this case initially developed for onshore wind installations, to be brought to market for the offshore wind sector.” 

“This milestone is a game-changer, not just for our company but for the entire wind energy industry,” said Dainis Kruze, CEO of Aerones. “Our mission has always been to deliver the perfect combination of speed, quality, and reliability, and today we’re one step closer to making that a reality.”