Legged Robot Closes Digital Twin Remote Inspection Loop
Aker BP, Cognite, and ANYbotics have partnered in pioneering offshore remote inspections with ANYmal X on the Valhall platform in the North Sea. ANYmal X, the only Ex-certified legged robot, was tested for integrated robotic inspections in offshore Ex-rated zones, showcasing the benefits of Cognite’s real-time digital twins and comprehensive AI-powered data platform. This is a significant step in Aker BP’s aim to implement remote inspections as an enabler for unmanned operation of complex offshore processing platforms by 2027-2029.
Valhall, situated 300 kilometers offshore, is a complex with manned central platforms connected by bridges and multiple normally unmanned support platforms accessed regularly by helicopters. It features multiple levels and numerous Ex-zones and experiences diverse weather conditions like direct sunlight, heavy rain, and high winds. A key part of the deployment on Valhall was to integrate ANYmal X data via the ANYmal API, enabling operation from onshore as a step towards fully unmanned future platforms.
ANYmal X enhances digital twins in real time through automated live data and event streaming, facilitating equipment location, analytics, and reporting. Cognite consolidates and contextualizes this data along with all operations, engineering, and traditional (IT) data within its user-friendly, secure, and scalable platform, Cognite Data Fusion. This makes it easy for all decision-makers to access and use complex industrial data to increase operational excellence, maximize production efficiency, and ensure safe and sustainable operations through AI and robotics.
This first integration of ANYmal X and Cognite Data Fusion showcased the benefits of remote inspections in Ex-zones using a digital twin. The tests at Valhall took place at two of its decks, including 70 inspection points, enabling offshore operators to plan missions with ANYbotics Workforce and analyze data in Cognite Data Fusion. The onshore control room could also take over inspection missions for manual investigation in first responder scenarios via Cognite Data Fusion.
“By connecting ANYmal to other, contextualized, operational data using Cognite Data Fusion and the ANYmal API, industrial organizations can make better use of their data and robots. This helps increase safety, enable remote work, and enhance efficiency overall. important that we collaborate. Events like this help the collaboration because all the stakeholders of the industry are represented” comments Elias Bjørne, Product Manager, Cognite.
For more information: www.anybotics.com
