Robot and Drone Technology

Customer Challenges

The common challenges in routine inspections and maintenance activities today include: 

• Safety Risks: Due to working at height in exposed structures, hazardous areas or harsh environments. All requiring extra protection and work processes.
• Labor Shortages: Due to the aging population and technical skills gap.
• Limited Information: Due to the limitation of human capabilities to acquire and process data accurately and efficiently.

Solutions

 

Yokogawa’s Robot Solutions

Yokogawa’s Robot Solutions bring together Yokogawa’s expertise in process automation combined with the advanced robot technologies to help the customer achieve unattended operations, whilst also augmenting human capabilities to solve the common challenges in daily plant operations and routine inspections. 

 

OpreX Robot Management Core

OpreX Robot Management Core facilitates the integration of multiple robots, manages data collected by them, and expands the range of applications that contributes to the customer’s business. OpreX Robot Management Core is a part of Yokogawa Collaborative Information Server (CI Server) that integrates the complex hierarchy composed of various systems, to unlock critical process data required to achieve data-driven optimization.

To learn more about OpreX Robot Management Core, please click here.

Benefits

By leveraging Yokogawa’s one-stop solution and expertise in process automation and IT/OT technologies, customers can move forward to the implementation of robots with a peace of mind and avoid the new technology becoming another silo in the organization. By enabling seamless integration process, unattended operations becomes a reality. 

Implementing the appropriate use cases of robot solutions for the specific problem that is defined through consulting has the capabilities to bring:

• Safety Improvements by reaching dangerous areas quickly, easily, and safely.
• Strengthened Workforce by allowing the emerging workforce to use technology to do tasks more efficiently. And as a result, the customer will be able to focus on value creation tasks.
• Insightful data, brings the right data to the right viewers (e.g. the decision makers). The robots can be equipped with sensors and specifically designed payloads to meet operational objectives.

Use Cases

 

Field Patrol

Field patrol with robots offers enhanced efficiency, continuous monitoring capabilities, and improved safety for personnel. Whilst there are also challenges presented in relations to technology integration, maintenance, and ethical considerations.

• The robots perform routine surveillance tasks at field autonomously, at a scheduled time and on demand.
• Robots become the “eyes,” “ears,” and “nose” of the plant with a combination of different sensors to detect anomalies and monitor the assets with AI analysis.

Color Degradation Diagnosis Using Robot with AI Solution

A color degradation diagnosis system employs a robot integrated with an AI image analyzer to assess objects for color changes. The sensors capture data on hue and brightness, which AI algorithms interpret to diagnose degradation severity. The system then flags items for maintenance, offering fast and accurate assessments to preserve object quality and value. 

First Responder Solution

In emergency situations, deploying robots as first responders offers numerous advantages. Including the support for operators to assess the situation, gather critical data, and execute tasks such as deactivating equipment or assisting in rescue efforts. 

• With the robot integration platform and DCS, the robots continuously provide real-time feedback to the command center, enabling responders to formulate effective strategies and mitigate safety risks.

Infrastructure Inspection Solution with Drones

Implementing an infrastructure inspection solution with drones can significantly enhance efficiency, safety, and accuracy.