Robotics/unmanned systems
This paper presents a robot integrated with a microcontroller that provides multiple functions to help with data logging, analysis, and reporting to identify hazards and improve safety protocols.
Emerging solutions could solve current subsea pain points, while a new taxonomy system could clarify the capabilities of the expanding domain of underwater vehicles.
With the right infrastructure and interoperability, subsea resident robotics could unlock more frequent, cost-effective inspections—and a new standard for offshore efficiency.
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ROVs dominate the world of subsea inspections, maintenance, and repair, but as operators work in a post-downturn economy, autonomous systems have become more in demand. Autonomous inspections are possible today, but how can they help with light and heavy intervention? -
Technologies are being developed that have the potential to support marine mining in all stages from prospection to decommissioning. These developments will likely have substantial influence in the oil and gas industry, itself searching for ways to maximize exploitation of assets.
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As part of its IntelligentEngine project, researchers from Rolls-Royce have announced their plans to develop snake- and insect-swarm-inspired robots that will crawl inside engines to carry out inspections and perform maintenance. The snake-like robot could access an engine in the manner of an endoscope and then deliver a swarm of miniature robots (around 10mm in diame…
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Venture groups spend their time evaluating hundreds of companies each year to only make a handful of investments. These two cover interesting ends of the upstream spectrum: aerial drones and downhole artificial lift.
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Aerial surveillance of oil and gas operations can help in decision-making and lead to quick and appropriate responses to deal with potentially detrimental matters.
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As operators look for cost-efficient ways to address the challenges in facility maintenance and deepwater exploration, autonomous underwater vehicles are being developed for complex data gathering and advanced tasks.
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Ground sensors on assets over a broad area have limited returns on investment if the asset life cycle is less than 10 years, and obsolescence of the technology if it exceeds 10 years. Complementing sensors with aerial remote sensing at scale may help to mitigate these issues.
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Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are lightweight, low-cost aircraft platforms operated from the ground that can be outfitted with imaging or nonimaging payloads. UASs offer health, safety, and environment professionals a promising opportunity to reduce risks by keeping people out of harm’s way.
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Advanced AUVs with early-stage technologies for live streaming, ultrasonic testing, and 3D laser scanning are set to enter inspection trials on North Sea facilities. The aim is to reduce facilities inspection costs by 50%.
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An 18-month project will develop and trial a mobile robot for autonomous operational inspection of Total facilities.
