Robotics in the Oil & Gas Industry
As a major player in the global economy, the oil and gas industry is always looking for ways to improve existing processes and make necessary adjustments to enhance speed, accuracy, and safety. A recent development in this industry is the integration of robotics. As of late, robotics technology has proven valuable to the oil and gas industry in a number of ways, and more widespread use in the future is likely. General Applications Working in the oil and gas industry can be dangerous, but with the help of robotics, the risk of injury or error is reduced. Implementing technological developments in the field can prevent human workers from getting harmed, and with robotics, efficiency, accuracy, and speed can be increased without putting additional strain on existing employees. Automation is also proving to be more cost-effective as it enhances efficiency; time spent on a rig, after all, costs money, so the faster work can be completed, the less expensive the operation will be. Different robotics projects have been designed and implemented with unique goals and functions, but the ultimate initiative is to promote safety and improve existing methods of detection and extraction. Euleme Euleme is just one example of robotics technology in the oil and gas industry. This technology possesses a long, flexible body that allows it to easily navigate subsea environments and monitor the conditions there. This piece of technology limits the need for human exploration and makes navigation through narrow or otherwise difficult locations simple. Euleme is also designed to permanently reside underwater with a subaquatic dock that eliminates the regular submergence of robotics tech. In addition to its observational capabilities, Euleme is also fitted with an arm that can manipulate valves as needed. Other examples include ARGONAUT, an autonomous surface robot, and Oseberg H, an unmanned, completely automated platform. Challenges As the integration of robotics is relatively new, there are still some challenges that accompany these initiatives. The two major challenges that face the oil and gas industry involve cost and reliability. Researching, developing, repairing, and improving robotics technology can be costly endeavors, and if the industry wants to integrate the most developed and effective projects, leaders must be willing to put forth the money necessary to complete such projects. The other issue of reliability is becoming less of an issue as more companies integrate robotics into their operations, but the long-term prospects of such technology remain to be seen.