This analysis explores recent trends in the development of automated production systems in the wind turbine industry. In particular, innovative manufacturing methods for structural fibre reinforced components of rotor blades are focused upon. These heavily loaded components are predominantly fabricated in manual operations. State-of-technology is the preform build-up of dry fibre textiles into a mould followed by vacuum-assisted-resin-infusion (VARI). Thereby variations in quality depend on the work method and knowledge of the employees carrying it out. Furthermore the economic growth in this sector requires an increasing number of high performance rotor blades especially for offshore wind parks. Approximately 30% of wind turbine total costs accrue on the production of rotor blades. Therefore rotor blades offer a high potential for the improvement of quality, cost and performance of the entire wind turbine.
