Climbing robots: recent research and emerging applications

Purpose This paper aims to provide details of recent research into robots capable of ascending vertical or near-vertical surfaces and to illustrate how the ability to climb is set to resolve a critical industrial need arising from the growth in renewable energy. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, the first parts of this paper describe a selection of recent research activities that involve innovative concepts and designs. The second part discusses climbing robot developments aimed at the automated inspection, maintenance and repair of wind turbine blades. Brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings Robots that can ascend vertical or near-vertical surfaces are the topic of an extensive and technologically innovative research effort. Many developments take their inspiration from the climbing abilities of living creatures. Drones with the ability to adhere to and climb vertical surfaces are also being developed. Potential applications include inspection, surveillance and search and rescue. Climbing robots are poised to provide a solution to the need to de-man and reduce the cost of inspecting and maintaining composite wind turbine blades. Originality/value This provides an insight into recent innovations in climbing robot concepts and designs and shows how the ability to ascend vertical surfaces is being exploited in the robotic inspection, maintenance and repair of wind turbine blades.