It seems to be a sensible idea. On a long ladder it might be useful to have several sockets long the way to make easy access for power.

Also hooks next to each socket to hang the power tool when not in use.

This is a decent marketing idea. The cord would need to retract automatically as the ladder is collapsed without tangling and without rubbing the insulation off of the cord through repeated use. I'm sure this can be done, but it will take some engineering. The concept might better adapt to fiberglass ladders because of rain and the potential for electrocution under certain failure modes.

I would like to see an extension ladder with the top splayed without rungs up about 3 feet above the top rung, so that I can stay centered in the ladder as I get on and off a roof. Sometimes on steep roofs it's tricky getting on and off a ladder at the top.

a wobble sensor cutout. I like this idea, having just put a metal roof on ashed, and very frustrated with electric cord getting caught on ladder, poppingout as it was dragged all round building to hammer-drill in fixings. I figurethe only time when i want the electrics to fail is when the ladder is fallingover, as then's a bad time for a saw to be spinning... a clever engineer couldput in a level switch that would make the electric point safer.

I wish the wall standoffs were easier to adjust working round buildings to keepthe ladder just below gutter level; and that somehow without the super duperstands, ladder's would compensate for bad ground... god's ladder, stands straight, never wobbles, and is easy to access from any roof pitch.

how about a ground wire, just in case you're working during electrical storms, or hit a power line...

Good idea, but weight is the issue. I don't know how much is added with the copper wire, but it could be a deal killer. That said, I like it!

I think these wouldn't sell that well, because people at the time of purchase wouldn't realize the long-term benefit. Few people buy the more expensive ladders with other advanced features, like leveling legs, etc.

I think a "homebrew" implementation of this idea would be helpful (unless I've overlooked something, which I probably have). Take a ten-foot outdoor extension cord with an attached socket protector on the lower end and secure it to the side of the ladder with heavy duty, long-length twisties (or whatever). If the topmost twistie is just above a step, it won't slide down if the tool is dropped and the cord is stressed.

PS: Of course this wouldn't work with sliding ladders, only stepladders.

I am imagining something similar to the magnetic adapter that Apple uses on its laptops. I have tested the breakawayability of mine many times!

Great idea, but the real problem is how to make it practical.

I could see that the cords would need to be protected from nails, staples, burs on the ladder and just plain wear and tear.

That being said, cordless tools are now pretty much the norm, so powered ladders, while a good idea, may not be necessary as cordless tools become less expensive and more widely available.