A robotic applicator device (40) for applying a protector (48) to a leading edge (30) of a wind turbine blade (20) includes a main frame (42), a drive (44) coupled to the main frame (42), and a plurality of stations (46) carried by the main frame (42) configured to apply the protector (48) to the leading edge (30) of the wind turbine blade (20). The stations (46) include a dispensing station (50) configured to hold and dispense a material (64) that forms the protector (48), an adhesive station (52) configured to apply adhesive (66) to an adherend surface (68) of the dispensed protector material (64) and/or the leading edge (30), an applicator station (54) configured to place the adherend surface (68) of the protector (48) onto the leading edge (30) of the wind turbine blade (20), and a curing station (56) configured to cure the adhesive (66) so as to bond the protector (48) to the leading edge (30). A method for applying the protector (48) to the leading edge (30) of the wind turbine blade (20) is also disclosed.

A system and method is disclosed for anchoring a computer numerical control (CNC) machine to a wind turbine blade. The method includes disposing one or more fasteners of the CNC machine at a surface of the wind turbine blade and implementing one or more tools of the CNC machine at a portion of the wind turbine blade. This method enables efficient and precise machining operations to be performed directly on the wind turbine blade, facilitating maintenance and repair tasks while minimizing downtime and reducing costs associated with blade removal and transportation. The anchoring of the CNC machine ensures stability and accuracy during the machining process, resulting in improved blade performance and extended operational lifespan of the wind turbine.