Implementation of Autonomous Ground Robots on Operational Sites

Abstract

Abstract One of the missions of the TotalEnergies’ R&D is to pave the way for tomorrow's simpler, streamlined and less expensive facilities. The vision is focused on unmanned installations in which autonomous ground robots are key components. In 2017, the ARGOS (Autonomous Robots for Gas and Oil Sites) Challenge delivered the first prototype of a new generation of autonomous, ATEX-compliant ground robots capable of detecting anomalies. Based on this success, TotalEnergies started a few projects with the aim to introduce and standardize robotics on O&G sites. The first project is the development of a series of autonomous robots, designed to withstand the rough O&G environment for long durations: an inspection robot and an operator robot. The second project is the adaptation of the standard methods of engineering operations for green-field developments as well as preparing the implementation of robots on brownfields. The third one is the development of a specific environment to remotely supervise a fleet of robots operating simultaneously on a same site. A major take away for the success of robotics implementation is increasing the technological readiness as well as usability and acceptance of the whole robotics operation system. This can be verified only through exposure to users in a realistic environment. After each major development, their proper achievement is measured following a robust process of observation in different contexts. An incremental approach for trials was implemented from testing in specific laboratory conditions up to long duration pilots on major installations under the custody of the future users. Those complex tests are a tremendous source of deep insight in understanding robotic operations and allowing the research to be pushed further towards a more practical solution for the petroleum industry. The presentation will highlight the first tangible results from the operational implementation and prototypes testing of robots and the readiness of robotics for Oil and Gas. The experience gained by TotalEnergies in developing Robotics Operations through testing it extensively in various industrial contexts, represents a unique case with this large scale of usages. It was already shared with some of our peers and this paper is a great opportunity to expose to the Oil and Gas industry to our vision of how to prepare the future of unmanned, safe and environmentally friendly operations.