Yokogawa and Shell Partner on Robotics and AI

Yokogawa Electric and Shell Global Solutions recently formalized a long-term agreement. They will integrate and further develop robotics and drone technologies. These tools will enhance plant monitoring and maintenance.

Enhancing Plant Operations with AI

Yokogawa will add Shell's advanced machine vision tool. This tool is called Operator Round by Exception (ORE). Yokogawa will integrate ORE into its OpreX Robot Management Core. This enhanced software service will soon be available. Energy, chemicals, and other industries will benefit.

ORE is a digital solution. It uses machine vision and AI analytics. Robots can autonomously perform many tasks. These tasks are part of the operator round process. Robots can read gauges and check for leaks. They also identify machinery issues. This tool resulted from two years of Shell’s collaboration. It combined machine vision strategy with deep field capabilities. Integrity management, remote inspection, and corrosion management were key areas.

Advancing Robot Management

OpreX Robot Management Core is a core Yokogawa product. This software helps customers maintain facilities. It promotes safer and more efficient operations. It integrates management of various robots. These robots perform maintenance tasks. Humans traditionally carried out these tasks.

The software connects to plant control and safety systems. Acquired data can then issue instructions to robots. This enables the first step towards autonomous plant operations. Shell’s ORE technology will significantly increase use cases. Customers will have more options through OpreX Robot Management Core.

Pilot Programs and Future Development

Yokogawa robotics operations will deploy at two Shell facilities. This pilot will show how robotics deliver value. It will demonstrate efficiencies in plant monitoring and maintenance.

This collaboration marks a key milestone for Yokogawa and Shell. They are working together at the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam. Shell created this campus in 2022. It provides a platform for collaboration. Companies, organizations, governments, and universities collaborate there. They work on future energy solutions. Shell and Yokogawa also agreed on an aligned R&D roadmap. They will further develop and enhance machine vision technology. This ensures continuous innovation and improvement. This collaboration highlights both companies' commitment. They aim to provide cutting-edge solutions. Energy and industrial sectors will benefit.

Masaharu Maeda, Yokogawa Electric vice president, expressed excitement. He heads the Solutions Business Division. He said, "We are very excited to be working with Shell." This technology addresses workforce challenges. It significantly improves field rounds' efficiency. It also reduces inherent risks for operators. "We look forward to making it available globally," he added. He anticipates contributing to safer workplaces.

Gerben de Jong, CIO for Shell Integrated Gas, spoke on the partnership. He noted, “Shell & Yokogawa have a proud history.” They have developed advanced automation solutions together. "This agreement takes our relationship to the next level," he stated. Robotics solutions with AI can create significant change. They offer potential in productivity and safety.