The Texas A&M Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center (MKO) and EnerSys Corp. are collaborating to create a multiplayer training platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and gaming technology to simulate pipeline emergencies. Supported by funding from the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and administered by the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, the project aims to provide pipeline operators with realistic, hands-on training for abnormal and emergency situations.
By simulating real-world pipeline failure scenarios in a controlled, game-like environment, the platform helps operators gain critical experience, something rarely available in traditional training, given the infrequency of actual pipeline incidents.
“In using this multiplayer gaming platform, it should become very much like actually working with pipelines,” said EnerSys Corp. CEO Russel Treat. “That's the goal, and ultimately, if that's the case, when incidents do occur, they should be responded to and mitigated more effectively.”
MKO will contribute scientific expertise and mathematical modeling of pipeline behavior, while EnerSys leads industry collaboration, data collection, and project management.
The goal is to ensure that operators are better prepared to respond quickly and effectively when real incidents occur, ultimately improving safety, protecting infrastructure, and minimizing economic impacts. Trial scenarios are expected to begin with a research and development team by the end of the year, integrating lessons learned into the evolving training system.
“It's a great opportunity for us to learn, particularly from the industrial experiences, and develop tools that enable fusion of knowledge and experience to improve safety," said Faisal Khan, director of the Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center.