Aker BP, Norwegian oil and gas operator, cooperated with the software company Cognite and explore how robotic systems can be used in offshore operations, making operations safer, more efficient and more sustainable.
The two partners will test the system by using robots and drones on the Aker BP-operated Skarv installation in the Norwegian Sea during 2020.
The tasks that the systems will conduct include aerial and underwater inspections, responding to leaks, performing work that takes humans out of harm’s way, and providing onshore operators with telepresence on offshore installations.
The robot presented in the video above, Spot, is the quadruped robot developed by Boston Dynamics showcased at Aker BP’s Capital Markets Update on February 11.
The partners trialled Spot’s ease to move in simulated oil and gas environments, wanting to make sure that the robot had the ability to access locations too difficult to access through traditional automation.
In light of the project, Karl Johnny Hersvik, CEO of Aker BP commented that
Our vision is to digitalize all our operations from cradle to grave in order to increase productivity, enhance quality, and improve the safety of our employees. Exploring the potential of robotics offshore underpin our digital journey.
Overall, the oil and gas industry is following shipping’s footsteps, with emerging technologies that improve the operations and the workers’ safety. For example, TechnipFMC and DNV GL partnered to develop the oil and gas industry’s first methodology for qualifying the integrity of digital twin technology, to help oil and gas operators, supply chain partners and regulators trust the concept of digital twins for performance and safety decision-making in projects and operations.