Robotics/unmanned systems
Robotic and autonomous systems are transforming energy operations, but their full value emerges only when paired with data science, engineering analytics, and AI/ML to turn data into decisions. The transition of the SPE Robotic & Autonomous Systems Technical Section into the SPE Data Science & Engineering Analytics Technical Section helps bridge this critical technolo…
Shell has demonstrated drone-in-a-box operations from its Mars floating production unit, becoming the first operator in the region to secure FAA approval for self-approved offshore beyond-visual-line-of-sight flights. JPT Senior Technology Editor Jennifer Pallanich visited Shell Technology Center Houston to see the system in action.
From AI-enabled walking rigs to subsea drones and autonomous inspection robots, robotics is rapidly moving from pilot projects to field deployment. The technology promises not only greater efficiency but also a fundamental shift in how the industry approaches safety and asset management.
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Energy firm Vattenfall has conducted large-scale seabed surveys with uncrewed surface vessels. The company reports positive results, from both climate and safety aspects. -
GlobalData’s report "Robotics in Oil and Gas" notes that, while robotics has been a part of the oil and gas industry for several decades, growing digitalization and integration with artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things have helped diversify robot use cases within the industry.
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The Seaeye Falcon underwater robot is being used in the decommissioning and repurposing of an oil rig offshore Angola.
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A recent mission that saw the robot submarine Autosub Long Range, better known as "Boaty McBoatface," explore and visually map end-of-life oil fields has been hailed as a success.
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Swiss robotics company Hydromea and Scottish remote technology firm ACE have agree to work together to use the world’s first underwater wireless remotely operated vehicle for inspection of offshore facilities.
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Trials of the robotics company’s Hydronaut and Aquanaut system are expected in the third quarter of 2022 after the companies conducted a successful feasibility study.
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The Russian gas company announced that it will use locally source unmanned aerial vehicles to inspect its facilities and pipelines in the Yurkharovskoye field.
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Researchers from the Offshore Robotics for Certification of Assets Hub teamed with EDF Renewables to use a modified remotely operated vehicle to conduct what they say is the first autonomous underwater inspection of wind farm foundations.
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The certification course, run by SeaBot XR, focused on critical topics such as mission analysis, situational awareness, cybersecurity, and resource management.
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Verlume and consortium partners are working to advance the development of a robotic fish designed for efficient offshore inspection.
