Advancements in Offshore Robotics: Integrating Cyber-Physical Systems for Enhanced Inspections and Maintenance
The Future of Offshore Inspection: Patrolling Robots and Digital Twins
The July/August issue of Offshore Engineer sheds light on a technological leap that is transforming the offshore energy sector: the deployment of patrolling robots for inspection, maintenance, and repair tasks. As industries turn increasingly digital, these robots are now being operated within sophisticated cyber environments that mirror their actual offshore settings—creating what’s known as a digital twin.
Revolutionizing Operations with Autonomous Tools
Energy Robotics is at the forefront of this transformation, having developed a comprehensive software platform that can seamlessly operate a variety of ATEX-certified robots from leading manufacturers such as ExRobotics, Taurob, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. This platform facilitates the planning, execution, and monitoring of fully autonomous operator rounds and inspection tasks carried out by both robots and drones. In a groundbreaking approach, all data collected by these machines is integrated into a singular digital twin. This means that operators are no longer burdened with the potential for data silos; instead, every robot contributes to a unified worldview of the operational environment.
But what does this really mean for the future of offshore energy?
Interconnected Cyber-Physical Systems: A New Paradigm
A recent study published by UK researchers in Energy and AI explores the evolution of cyber-physical-human systems across various industries, including offshore energy. This research highlights innovative interactions enabled by these new technologies. For instance, a ground robot may autonomously request visual data from an aerial drone, while drones might draw battery power from ground-based counterparts. They even suggest that robots could autonomously request maintenance from one another if a problem arises.
An emerging concept discussed in this context is federated learning. This decentralized approach to training machine learning models allows individual nodes across a distributed network to improve a global model using local data, which can be particularly advantageous in environments filled with sensitive data.
The Promise of Federated Learning
IBM describes federated learning as a method that preserves data privacy by never transferring sensitive information from its source. In the high-stakes realm of energy, this is crucial. By keeping data local, the risk of cyberattacks or breaches is significantly minimized.
Moreover, shifting model learning to the edge offers the potential for real-time predictions. This reduces the lag associated with sending data to a central server for analysis, allowing for faster decision-making—even without an internet connection.
Enriching Digital Twin Environments
Looking ahead, the UK researchers propose enhancing digital twin environments with multisensory modalities, such as haptic feedback and auditory cues. This expansion could offer operators a richer, more intuitive understanding of their environments, further optimizing their operations.
Intelligent Communication and Automation
Current innovations mean that robots are becoming increasingly adept at understanding their surroundings. As Marc Dassler, CEO of Energy Robotics, indicated, operators can engage with robots using advanced language models like ChatGPT. A simple command such as, “Inspect all pumps, motors, and pipes three times a day and report any anomalies,” can be executed with precision, illustrating how user-friendly these systems have become.
Conclusion: A Paradigm Shift in Offshore Operations
The integration of patrolling robots and digital twins heralds a new era in offshore inspections and maintenance. By embracing interconnected systems and innovative approaches like federated learning, the industry stands to gain unprecedented levels of efficiency, safety, and data integrity.
As we navigate this exciting future, one thing is clear: the collaborative potential of robots, humans, and cutting-edge technology promises to create a more resilient and responsive offshore energy landscape. The tides of change are here, and they are being ushered in by intelligent automation.