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In an effort to automate routine inspection activities and improve asset monitoring capabilities, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) has invested in six robots from ANYbotics.
The company said in a media release that it will invest $4 million in the acquisition of the robots capable of running autonomous visual inspections.
Petrobras said data obtained from ANYmal X inspection missions would show the most efficient and safest teams in maintenance routines. The six ANYmal X units will be delivered in 2024 for testing and development at Petrobras’ facilities.
“Petrobras hopes to use ANYmal X to automate routine inspection activities, thus improving asset monitoring capabilities. Today, ANYmal X is the only robotic solution with articulated, explosion-proof legs in the world. It is a milestone for inspection in risky areas”, said Gustavo Levin, manager of the Petrobras Center of Excellence in Robotics.
Petrobras is part of the Early Adopters Program of the Swiss company ANYbotics, in which large oil and gas and petrochemical conglomerates collaborate to test the effectiveness and evaluate implementation strategies for autonomous robots, the Brazilian state-owned company said.
“Besides developing its own research, Petrobras also enters into partnerships for improving innovations. This is a virtuous circle, which produces knowledge, boosts the industry and benefits society”, said the executive manager of the Petrobras Research Center, Maiza Goulart.
ANYmal X units come with a high-resolution camera, laser imaging, gas sensor, thermal camera and wide-spectrum directional microphone. These components allow users to map the installation in 3D images and clouds, and check for anomalies related to equipment noise; temperature in electrical panels; leak; valve position, local instrument reading and the presence of mandatory plant safety items.
After inspections, captured images are sent via WiFi or 4G LTE to databases, and can be automatically verified in the future by artificial intelligence. This will reduce repetitive work, allowing teams maximum focus on interventions where really needed, whether in a refinery or exploration platform, Petrobras said.
ANYmal X is capable of carrying out its missions autonomously or remotely and can be assigned to get into areas of greater danger or accidents. It may eventually be used to guide people to safe areas in adverse conditions, according to Petrobras.
To contact the author, email andreson.n.paul@gmail.com
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