# Blimp Repair Robots The Lockheed Martin 'Spider' Can Find and Fix Pinhole Leaks on Blimps By Hayley McGlone | Published 2016-07-27 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lockheed-martin-spider References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/lockheed-built-a-blimp-crawling-robot-that-finds-and-fi-1784379305) & [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/27/lockheed-martin-spider-blimp-robot/) The [Lockheed](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/satellite-system) Martin 'Spider' is a robot that is capable of detecting and repairing pinhole leaks on hybrid airships. The Spider is meant to make the inspection process of the blimp's inflatable envelope more time-efficient and more accurate in detecting any tiny pinhole leaks. Spider stands for "Self-Propelled Instrument for Damage Evaluation and Repair." The [robot is capable of performing inspections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vulcan-robot) while the aircraft is fully inflated and is far more accurate than any inspections done by humans. The robot uses LED lights and a camera to [detect pinhole leaks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ifixit-fixbot) and the Spider will re-position itself to be able to repair the leak. Photos of the pinhole leak before and after the patch are sent to a server for human inspection to double check the patch. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Robotic Leak Detection:** The emergence of robots like the Lockheed Martin 'Spider' is revolutionizing the process of detecting and repairing pinhole leaks on blimps. - **Efficient Inspection Automation:** The use of robotics in blimp inspections is streamlining the inspection process, making it more time-efficient and accurate. - **Enhanced Repair Capabilities:** Robotic repair systems like the 'Spider' are improving the accuracy of repairing pinhole leaks on hybrid airships. ### Who This Affects Most - **Aerospace:** The aerospace industry can leverage robotic leak detection technologies to enhance maintenance and repair processes for airships. - **Robotics:** The robotics industry can capitalize on the demand for efficient inspection and repair automation systems in various sectors, including blimp repair. - **Transportation:** The transportation industry, particularly the airship sector, can benefit from advancements in robotic leak detection and repair capabilities to ensure safer and more reliable operations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vertical Wall-Climbing Inspection Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hausbots-hb1.md) - [Workplace Robot Trials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/workplace-robot-trials-boston-dynamics-spot-robot-ensure-equipment-efficien.md) - [Pest-Slaying Agricultural Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pestslaying-agricultural-robot.md) - [Self-Operating Underwater Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/underwater-inspection-underwater-robot-underwater-visual-inspection.md) - [Flying Aquatic Maintenance Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seaair-integrated-drone.md) - [Agile Wall-Climbing Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnecko-robot.md) - [Hybrid Movement Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leo-robot.md) - [Solar Panel Cleaning Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-cleaning-system.md) - [Battery-Powered Spa Cleaners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spabot.md)