Autonomous robots for offshore inspection​

Industry context

Robotic technology is increasingly seen as a practical solution for reducing both capital and operational costs, while also minimising risks to humans and the environment.

Project overview

This Taurob project focused on functional improvements to the existing ARGONAUTS robot culminating in offshore trials, addressing the areas of further development to ensure a fully deployable robot at TRL 6. The deficiencies identified during ARGOS were improved upon to create a robot that was acceptable for a field site deployment and mitigate risk from future developments.​

​Two autonomous robots at Level 3 Autonomy (human supervision, missions pre-planned) were successfully deployed at site. Tasks were specified for the robots to perform at site as part of the Site Acceptance Test (SAT) over a two-week period. The robots passed the SAT, with a number of punch list items which were later addressed during a follow-on phase.​

​The OGRIP project, funded by Total and the Net Zero Technology Centre, was the foundation of the Taurob Inspector robot. Within this phase, the former ARGOS robot was assessed for use within an operational Oil &Gas environment for inspection purposes only (no manipulation or intervention). ​

Outcome

Improve offshore inspection efficiency

Improves safety ​

Reduces human contact for hazardous operations ​

Reduces cost by approximately £127 million annually ​

Improve offshore inspection efficiency

Improves safety ​

Reduces human contact for hazardous operations ​

Reduces cost by approximately £127 million annually ​