Drone system with infrared technologies and AI to inspect composite structures

Wind Industry Profile of

Drone technology combined with active thermography offers faster, cheaper and more in-depth inspection of wind turbine blades and aeroplane wings

Two Cambridge-based companies, Innvotek and Mapair, have successfully trialled a drone system that uses infrared technologies and artificial intelligence to inspect composite structures, including wind turbines and aircraft wings, for defects. Firefly Inspect can hover above wind turbine blades and aircraft using a 1,000W heat lamp to test for defects – the first time that such a powerful heat source has been fitted to a drone. Firefly Inspect was originally a concept for inspecting aeroplane wings when they are stationary within hangars. Thanks to a collaboration with the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE)... ... More: Official Press Release ORE Catapult

Keywords:

ORE Catapult, fireflies, infrared, wind turbine, aircraft, inspection, service, rotor blade, defect, drone, Firefly Inspect, heat, UK, demonstraton