Abstract: A method of inspecting a curved surface using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) by activating a plurality of sensors having at least respective portions disposed on the curved surface, the method including flying the UAV to a proximity of a first of the plurality of sensors; activating the first sensor by an activation device coupled to the UAV; attaching at least one magnetic leg of the UAV to a ferromagnetic surface proximate the first sensor, the at least one magnetic leg having a magnet, moving the activation device coupled to the UAV towards the first sensor while the at least one magnetic leg is attached to the ferromagnetic surface; and, when the activation device is positioned in proximity of the first sensor, receiving first sensor data from the activated first sensor via the activation device.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a curved surface using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) by activating a plurality of sensors having at least respective portions disposed on the curved surface, the method including flying the UAV to a proximity of a first of the plurality of sensors; activating the first sensor by an activation device coupled to the UAV; attaching at least one magnetic leg of the UAV to a ferromagnetic surface proximate the first sensor, the at least one magnetic leg having a magnet, moving the activation device coupled to the UAV towards the first sensor while the at least one magnetic leg is attached to the ferromagnetic surface; and, when the activation device is positioned in proximity of the first sensor, receiving first sensor data from the activated first sensor via the activation device.

Abstract: A crawler maps a structure by moving at least longitudinally or circumferentially on the structure. A probe scans the structure to generate scan data corresponding to the structure. A distance measuring unit measures a distance of the probe from a landmark extending circumferentially around the structure. An orientation sensor determines an orientation of the crawler on the structure. A processor generates a map of the scan data of the structure indexed by the distance and orientation.