Petrobras will invest US$4 million in the acquisition of ANYbotics robots, capable of autonomous visual inspections. The data obtained from ANYmal X inspection missions will allow greater efficiency and safety in maintenance routines. Petrobras will receive six ANYmal X units in 2024 for testing and development at its facilities.
“Petrobras hopes to qualify ANYmal X to automate routine inspection activities, improving asset monitoring capabilities. Currently, ANYmal X is the only robotic solution with articulated, explosion-proof legs in the world; constituting a milestone for inspection in areas considered at risk”, says the sector manager who leads the Petrobras Center of Excellence in Robotics (COE), Gustavo Levin.
Petrobras is part of the Early Adopters Program of the Swiss company ANYbotics, in which large Oil and Gas and Petrochemical conglomerates collaborate, aiming to test the effectiveness and evaluate implementation strategies for autonomous robots.
“In addition to developing its own research, Petrobras also enters into partnerships aimed at improving innovations. This is a virtuous circle, which produces knowledge, boosts the industry and benefits society”, assesses the executive manager of the Petrobras Research Center, Maiza Goulart.
ANYmal
ANYmal X is equipped with a high-resolution camera, laser imaging, gas sensor, thermal camera and wide-spectrum directional microphone. These components allow mapping of the installation in images and 3D point clouds, as well as checking for anomalies: equipment noise; temperature in electrical panels; leak detection; valve position checking, local reading of instruments, and the presence of mandatory plant safety items.
After inspections, the captured images are transmitted via wireless communication (WiFi or 4G LTE) to databases, and can be automatically verified in the future by artificial intelligence. This will reduce repetitive work, allowing teams maximum focus on interventions where really needed, whether in a refinery or exploration platform.
ANYmal X is capable of carrying out its missions autonomously or remotely, and can be assigned to enter areas of greater danger or accidents. It may eventually be used to guide contingents to safe areas in adverse conditions.
About ANYbotics
Since 2016, the Swiss company ANYbotics has been developing intelligent and integrated robotic systems. In partnership with global technology leaders, ANYbotics offers automated robotic inspection solutions for industries with complex demands.
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