OMI Innovation: Smarter Drones for Wind Energy

A New Perspective on Wind Power

Wind turbines are essential to the global shift toward renewable energy — yet keeping them running efficiently remains a challenge. Each turbine must be inspected regularly to detect damage or electrical issues, often requiring manual climbs, cranes, and long shutdowns. These traditional methods cost time, energy, and sometimes safety.

In Ritterhude, Germany, OMI Innovation developed an alternative. Its automated drones perform precise inspections without the need for human access to high structures. Using advanced measurement systems, they circle each turbine, capture detailed data, and detect electrical resistance changes that signal wear or damage. What once took hours of risky manual work can now be done in minutes from the ground.

Precision Engineering Meets Smart Data

The heart of OMI’s solution is its ability to “see the invisible.” Instead of relying only on images, the drones measure lightning-protection systems inside turbine blades — a key but often hidden component. Through the 4-wire Kelvin measurement method, the system identifies resistance changes as small as 0.01 Ohm, offering early warnings that prevent larger failures.

Each inspection gathers both electrical and structural information. High-resolution images map surface conditions, while internal readings reveal unseen defects. Within 48 hours, operators receive a complete report, helping them plan maintenance efficiently and minimize downtime. This combination of automation, precision, and data transparency defines OMI’s role in next-generation wind-energy maintenance.

Inside the Innovation: Why It Works

• Seeing the Invisible: Drones measure hidden electrical resistance, detecting faults before they cause failures.
• Flight That Thinks: Automated paths repeat identical inspection routes, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Data in Days, Not Weeks: Wind-farm operators receive visual and electrical analyses within 48 hours.
• Engineered in Germany: Designed and tested in Ritterhude to meet strict industrial standards.
• Cleaner by Design: Faster inspections mean lower travel emissions and longer turbine lifespans.