Robotic Manipulation Capability
Certain tasks in an offshore or remote environment can be notably hazardous for humans or low effort with a high carbon and cost impact. By developing autonomous manipulation capability for robotics, we can release humans from dangerous or routine/low effort tasks to fill higher potential in other areas of asset operation.
The strategic application of robotic solutions will be essential to advance the industry 4.0 vision for the offshore energy sector. The strong technological shift towards more intelligent and more autonomous systems has been apparent and the current inadequacy of manipulation skills in robotic solutions is a potential stumbling block in their wider adoption within the industry.
Extending manipulation abilities in robotic systems will provide an added possibility and flexibility in the use of robotics in remote sites, while significantly reducing the risk and carbon impact associated with current operations.
As part of the funding competition, we are looking for innovative ideas and technology to extend the manipulation capability of robotic and automated technology in the energy industry.
We seek ideas to increase robotic manipulation capability in land, sea or air operations, primarily for operations and maintenance purposes.
Simple and/or Dextrous Manipulation
The solution should cover the following aspects:
- Ability to operate remotely, and within confined spaces such as Local Electric Module or Switch Room (Consider ATEX or IECEx and IP rating)
- Ability to manipulate valves, operating switches or levers reactively and repeatedly during an event
- Design consideration should be given for connecting to existing valve/switch adapters, currently used for manual operation
- Ability to manipulate valves to open, close, specified position(s)
- Ability to provide the remote operator with data to verify manipulation of chosen valve/task
- Able to be operated remotely and safely
Key points to consider for meeting this challenge:
- The robotic technology should be applicable to the energy sector which includes oil & gas, renewables, and new energy solutions for the future
- Technologies should have a strong value case in either increasing efficiency, reducing carbon impact and/or significantly reducing risk
- Technology entry level is minimum TRL 3