• GE engineers are exploring a way to have a remote-controlled, robotic device climb a turbine tower to carry a wireless, high-definition video camera to the turbine.
• The robot would send back a picture from about 30 feet away from the blades instead of inspectors looking with telescopes from the ground.
• GE is partnering with Ithaca, N.Y.-based International Climbing Machines.

GE scientists are also exploring other ways to take inspection technology to new heights. They are in the process of developing a microwave scanner that could be fitted onto the robotic vehicle, enabling an even better view of the wind blades.