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 main objective of this paper is to provide a solution that eliminates the risks of working in confined spaces and aids in preventive maintenance. -
The traditional method of inspecting tanks puts workers in danger. Using robots instead can keep workers out of harm’s way.
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This paper presents an automated underwater robot and a nondestructive testing eddy-current probe for alternating-current field measurement analysis of jacket main welds.
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Collaboration agreement lays foundation for advancing tech and know-how for harsh environment operations.
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Chevron looks into using remotely operated vehicles to scrub marine growth from subsea structures.
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BMT and Ocius plan to deploy 1,000 autonomous vessels to collect data as “satellites of the sea.”
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Geo Oceans has achieved class sign off for the world’s first entirely robotic FPSO cargo oil tank special survey.
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Using autonomous systems creates efficiencies, but, even more critically, it also allows engineers to be engineers.
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With the growing reliability of uncrewed aircraft, oil companies are now eager to have offshore rigs supplied in a more systematic and autonomous way. So, why haven’t we heard more about using uncrewed craft?
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The Saudi Arabian major is finding new ways of using drones to help improve the safety, efficiency, and environmental performance of its operations.
