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Robotics

Robotics involves design, construction, operation, and use of robots. The goal of robotics is to design machines that can help and assist humans.

Robotics is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering and science that includes mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science and others. Robotics deals with the design, construction, operation, and use of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing.

Benefits:

These technologies are used to develop machines that can substitute for humans and replicate human actions. Cost savings through optimized workflow management.

Robots can be used in any situation and for any purpose, but today many are used in dangerous environments (including bomb detection and de-activation), manufacturing processes, or where humans cannot survive.

Robots can take on any form but some are made to resemble humans in appearance. This is said to help in the acceptance of a robot in certain replicative behaviors usually performed by people. Such robots attempt to replicate walking, lifting, speech, cognition, and basically anything a human can do. Many of today's robots are inspired by nature, contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics.

Current use cases:

Robots (UAS) in the Oil and Gas Industry

The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, in the oil and gas industry is ready for takeoff. UAS technology benefits oil and gas operations in a host of ways— safe and efficient maintenance and inspections among them—but the data that UAS technology provides is transforming the industry.

Oil & gas facilities – both on and off shore -- require frequent inspection and maintenance to ensure safety and avoid failure. Currently, the main methods of inspecting hard-to-reach areas involve shutting down operations, building scaffolding or setting rope lines, and sending an inspector into hazardous areas with a camera. The logistics and danger of these processes, in addition to costly shutdown time required, significantly impacts the bottom line.

Robotic technology is an increasingly pervasive force, to say the least. A report by International Data Corporation said the worldwide robotics market will be worth $135.4 billion in 2019. In nearly every industry, robots are improving productivity and reducing operating costs.

What is Robotics Used for in Oil and Gas Applications?

One of the more well-known robots used in the oil and gas industry is the Iron Roughneck, made by National Oilwell Varco Inc. This robot automates the repetitive and quite dangerous task of connecting drill pipes as they’re shoved through miles of ocean water and oil-bearing rock. This automation improves efficiency for the drilling company and improves safety for the workers on the oil rig.

Other applications include remotely-operated aerial drones, automated underwater vehicles, robotic drills and much more. Downtime on an oil rig or other drilling site is expensive – robots are helping solve this problem to boost productivity.

While oil and gas hasn’t been quick to adopt automation technology, many companies are beginning to as operational costs cut so deeply into profits. Keep an eye on the oil and gas industry to see exciting new robotic applications the industrial sector hasn’t experienced yet.

Potential use cases for Robotics (UAS) in businesses:

Emergency Response

Immediate aerial information of leaks and spills
Safety procedures and evacuation monitoring

Infrastructure Inspection

Routine system inspections to ensure consistent operational integrity
Access to hard-to-reach areas

Security and Surveillance

Situational awareness beyond the rig
Intrusion alerts