Energy Robotics specialises in providing cutting-edge AI-driven software platforms and hardware-agnostic solutions for autonomous inspection robots and drones. Their systems are designed to streamline and enhance inspection processes across industries such as oil & gas, chemical, and power utilities.
Key Features of Energy Robotics Solutions:
- AI Software Platform:
- Offers advanced inspection capabilities through AI-driven insights.
- Enables automated data processing and seamless integration with asset management systems.
- Hardware-Agnostic Approach:
- Compatible with a variety of inspection robots and drones, including those from Taurob, DJI, and Boston Dynamics.
- Inspection Capabilities:
- Supports internal and external inspections for hazardous and hard-to-reach environments.
- Features include gas leak detection, human detection, adaptive routing, and more.
- Industries Served:
- Oil & Gas: Focused on pipeline monitoring, oil tank inspections, and safety compliance.
- Chemical: Ensures safe and efficient operations in chemical plants.
- Power Utilities: Facilitates inspections of substations and power lines.
- Sustainability:
- Promotes energy-efficient and environmentally friendly inspection practices.
Energy Robotics' solutions are trusted by industry leaders such as Shell and Evonik, and they continue to innovate in the field of autonomous inspections.
Introduction: Drone Surveys Revolutionising Oil and Gas
Drone surveys are becoming indispensable in the oil and gas industry, offering precision, safety, and cost efficiency in inspections and monitoring. For over three years, IDrone Innovations (IDI) has partnered with Energy Robotics to supply advanced drone automation hardware and software solutions for their customers, including industry giants like Shell.
This collaboration has evolved into a seamless integration of Energy Robotics’ software layer with IDI’s hardware, creating an unmatched solution for drone inspections in oil tank sites, aerial power line inspection, and internal and external building surveys.
The Collaboration: IDI and Energy Robotics
Seamless Hardware and Software Integration
- IDI Docking Stations: Enable autonomous drone deployments for continuous, off-grid operations.
- Energy Robotics Software Layer: Fully integrated with IDI’s hardware for streamlined mission execution and data collection.
- IDI Fly UI: Provides a unified interface for drone mission planning, execution, and real-time data visualisation.
This integration ensures drones can operate autonomously, delivering actionable insights for oil and gas infrastructure inspections and monitoring.
Key Trials and Deployments
2022: Shell Oil Refinery Trials
- Objective: Test the feasibility of automated drone inspections for oil tank sites.
- Outcome: Successfully conducted aerial and internal surveys, identifying structural issues with unmatched precision.
- Impact: Significant annual cost savings, reduction in safety incidents, and faster inspections.
2023: Expansion into Pipeline and Power Line Inspections
- Objective: Extend the solution’s capabilities to aerial power line inspection and pipeline monitoring.
- Outcome: Demonstrated exceptional performance in detecting faults and leaks, enhancing maintenance efficiency.
- Impact: Improved asset reliability and reduced environmental risks through real-time data insights.
2024: Advanced Features for Hazardous Environments
- Objective: Test drones for internal and external building surveys in hazardous environments.
- Outcome: Successfully navigated confined spaces and harsh conditions, delivering precise data.
- Impact: Enabled safer inspections while reducing downtime and operational costs.
Operational Benefits for Oil and Gas
- Enhanced Safety: Drones minimise human exposure to hazardous environments, ensuring safer operations.
- Cost Efficiency: Automated inspections reduce labour and operational downtime, saving millions annually.
- Precision and Speed: Drone surveys deliver high-resolution data faster than traditional methods.
- Scalability: Solutions are adaptable for various use cases, from aerial power line inspection to internal tank surveys.
The Future of Drones in the Oil and Gas Industry
Ongoing Collaboration and Innovation
The partnership between IDI and Energy Robotics continues to drive innovation in the oil and gas sector. The integration of advanced automation and AI capabilities ensures that drones remain at the forefront of inspection and monitoring technologies.
Expanding Global Reach
- EU Expansion: Ongoing deployments in Europe, focusing on large-scale oil refineries and pipeline networks.
- Future Technologies: Plans to integrate AI/ML for predictive maintenance and advanced analytics.
Applications in Oil and Gas
- Drone Inspections for Oil Tank Sites: Ensure structural integrity and detect leaks with precision.
- Aerial Power Line Inspection: Monitor power lines for faults, reducing outages and maintenance costs.
- Internal and External Building Surveys: Navigate confined spaces and hazardous environments with ease.
- Pipeline Monitoring: Detect leaks and corrosion in real time to prevent environmental hazards.
Conclusion: A New Era for Drones in Oil and Gas
Drone surveys are not just a technological advancement; they are a necessity for the oil and gas industry. The collaboration between IDI and Energy Robotics exemplifies the transformative potential of drones for building internal and external surveys, aerial power line inspection, and oil tank site monitoring. With successful trials and global expansion underway, drones are set to revolutionise how the oil and gas industry operates, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
