Sensabot: A Safe and Cost-Effective Inspection Solution

Young Technology Showcase In response to the oil and gas industry’s need to improve productivity while managing health, safety, and environmental (HSE) risks, Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) developed and launched Sensabot, a mobile robot that it says can safely and cost-effectively inspect and monitor hazardous and remote production facilities. The robot performs the same inspection and reporting tasks that humans do, such as monitoring the condition and performance of production equipment and areas, but without the risk associated with workers becoming exposed to hazardous conditions. The robot’s ability to operate in flammable and explosive conditions and its mobility distinguishes it from current energy industry inspection technology. It provides the monitoring and reporting capabilities of separate stationary instrumentation and also can respond to dynamic situational conditions. The primary business incentive for using this robot is the alleviation of HSE risk, as well as the reduction of logistic and manpower costs associated with worker-performed inspections. Also, because the robot offers a variety of sensor capabilities, the facility operator can reduce the number of fixed sensors at the site, and the cost and risk associated with workers installing and maintaining these sensors. While this robot requires regular maintenance, it can be performed in safe and well-equipped workshops. Robot Technology and Specifications This robot is designed to meet Inter-national Electrotechnical Commission (IECEx) standards for electronic equipment operating in flammable and explosive environments. The robot design also complies with NACE MR0175/ISO 15156, the standard for materials used in H2S-containing environments in oil and gas production. The robot meets the American National Standards Institute safety standards for guided industrial vehicles and industry standard for human factors engineering guidelines. The robot is a battery-powered machine controlled by a human operator through a remote Wi-Fi link and joysticks. The complete robot system also includes infrastructure components, such as a customized dumbwaiter elevator and a cog rail ladder for cost-effective integration into multilevel production facilities such as drilling rigs and refineries.