Robotics/unmanned systems
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.
This article from the SPE Robotics and Autonomous Systems Technical Section (RASTS) explores the insights shared at the recent Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston about autonomous systems and their role in the industry's future.
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The deployment of a new heavy-duty robotic system aims to reduce workforce exposure to high-risk areas while improving detection of potential leaks. -
Autonomous drilling through managed pressure drilling (MPD) at the Atlantis field has given the operator confidence to scale the method.
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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.
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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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Emerging solutions could solve current subsea pain points, while a new taxonomy system could clarify the capabilities of the expanding domain of underwater vehicles.
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The SPE Ecuador Section brought the excitement of robotics and energy education to life through an intensive 1-day Energy4me training, reaching 1,324 children from rural Quito.
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The company has installed an autonomous drone system on Aker BP’s Edvard Grieg platform in the North Sea, enabling frequent, remote inspections from shore.
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The USV Challenger will be remotely controlled from shore and will be equipped with multiple autonomous features.
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Terra Drone will support Aramco's operations and Saudi Arabia's technological and economic progress.
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A robotic arm, camera system, and virtual reality helped EniProgetti and University of Naples researchers overcome the major challenges of direct-contact nondestructive testing using a drone.
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