With the amount of UK offshore infrastructure increasing due to the expansion of wind turbines and oil and gas facilities, the need for frequent inspection and maintenance is greater than ever.
Conventionally, such tasks are performed by remotely operated vehicles (ROV), which are expensive and require support vessels and skilled crew.
The new drone system, developed by researchers from Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt Universities, can perform much of the prior manual work autonomously. It has been tested out on three turbines owned by EDF at the Blyth wind farm off Northumberland.
The system can generate data about the facilities including correct scale detailed 3D models that can be analysed to determine what maintenance work may be needed.
While some personnel are still required for more complex tasks, these can be completed remotely which mitigates much of the human risk. The work can also be performed in harsher conditions which means less downtime or...