I didn't want to climb all the way up there, anyway

GE Global Research is advancing technology that will make the inspection of wind turbines faster and more reliable for customers. According to a recent company press release, during the inspection process inspectors now examine turbine blades from the ground, about 328-feet away, by using a high-power telescope. Now, partnering with Ithaca, N.Y.-based International Climbing Machines (ICM), GE engineers have explored a way to do the work using a remote-controlled, robotic device that can scale the wind tower with a wireless, high-definition video camera strapped to its back.

The motivation for the closer inspection is to obtain a more accurate picture of the overall health of the wind turbine blades. From the safety of the ground, an inspector would have a real-time view of the blades from less than 33-feet away, allowing for a more thorough examination and evaluation of their condition.