39 Ways to Save the Planet

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Tom Heap and Dr Tamsin Edwards uncover fresh ways to save the planet from climate change.

BBC Radio Four, in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society, presents 39 ideas to relieve the stress that climate change is exerting on the planet.

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39 Ways to Save the Planet: Robots of the Wind

Robots of the Wind

BBC Radio 4 - 39 Ways to Save the Planet, Robots of the Wind

Meet the robots that can keep the turbines of Britain's offshore wind industry turning.

Offshore wind turbines are great when they're working but tough to repair.  Meet the family of robots that can keep the blades turning, whatever the ocean throws at them.

The UK government is betting big on offshore wind to provide a huge percentage of our electricity by 2030.  The turbines are certainly efficient, low carbon energy producers but they have one Achilles heel.  They're expensive to maintain and repair.  Boats or helicopters have to be sent out with a maintenance crew- it's dangerous and costly work.  Developers in robotics and artificial intelligence have got together to come up with a solution.  If an offshore turbine needs checking an unmanned boat will head out to sea.  Once in position it will launch a drone which can inspect the turbine.  If a closer look is needed then the drone can launch its secret weapon- the BladeBUG.  It's a suitcase-sized robot which can cling to the huge turbine blades, check them and even clean or repair them.  They should make new offshore wind development cheaper and safer.

Tom Heap meets the experts behind the robots - BladeBUG CEO Chris Cieslak; Professor Sara Bernardini from Royal Holloway, University of London - and works out the carbon impact of offshore wind expansion with climate scientist, Tamsin Edwards of King's College London.

Producer: Alasdair Cross

Researcher: Sarah Goodman

Produced in association with the Royal Geographical Society. Special thanks for this episode to Professor Stephen Peake from the Open University and Rob Maynard from Ocean Resource Engineers Ltd.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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