Offshore autonomous technology

As the offshore industry slowly returns, there is an ever-increasing need to develop new and future technologies that will help assist or lead projects.

ANYmal

ANYmal, “the world’s first autonomous offshore robot” was designed to carry out offshore operations in challenging conditions. A 3D map is created of the robot's surroundings to ensure the accuracy of each task, the 3D map is created with the use of cameras (visual and thermal), microphones and gas detection sensors.

ANYmal’s first deployment was based in the North Sea, September 2018 where it identified issues and carried out different tasks within 16 different inspections.

Argonaut

Argonaut was constructed to carry out inspections and autonomous tasks. Due to its unique and impressive features, this robot won the Total-funded ARGOS Challenge and was deployed for the first time by Total in April 2018.

Argonaut has certain aspects that make it different from many other autonomous robots; it is tracked and works in pairs. This allows projects to be carried out for a longer duration as they work in shift patterns and return one at a time to a docking station to recharge.

Eelume

Research for Eelume began in 2002 at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Since this date, Kongsberg Maritime and Statoil have ensured the progression of the autonomous sea snake robot continues. Eelume remains underwater, connected to a docking station on the seabed. When Eelume isn’t in its dock, you will find it carrying out various operations that include inspections, repair, and maintenance.

Eelume is a modular and flexible robot that can reach restricted areas which other autonomous robots wouldn’t be able to reach, overall making operations more efficient.

E-ROV

Oceaneering International partnered with Equinor have designed E-ROV, a robot controlled by an Ethernet connection that is supported by a remote piloting and control technology (RPACT) system.

E-ROV performs subsea operational functions and has a subsea charging station, as well as a battery-operated system, this will reduce costs, save resources and have a positive environmental impact. 

Osberg H

Osberg H was designed by Equinor. This is the world’s first fully automated oil and gas platform which requires only one or two maintenance checks per year. The platform was launched in the North Sea on the 14th October 2018 and is said to gather roughly 110 million barrels of oil.

The completion of Osberg H came out under budget by 20% less than predicted - it will ensure production on the platform for the next 22 years.

The offshore industry is opening up to fresh innovations, all with unique and individual elements that make them different from past and present autonomous robots.

What concept will be next for the industry?

Read more: https://www.offshore-technology.com/features/robotics-oil-gas/