Industrial Robotics, Drones, Automation, Geospatial & AI
August 20, 2024: Issue 108
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix robots with industrial inspections—without the sci-fi disaster—we've got the inside scoop in today’s Big Story. ⏬
Here’s what you’ll discover:
How ExxonMobil is using AI to keep the "oops" moments to a minimum
The incredible (and slightly creepy) places these robots are exploring
Why digital workflows are all-that in industrial safety
Cheers to safety, tech, and a world where humans and robots work together!🤖💪
What’s Inside:
🔎 When Robots Take Over…Refractory Inspections at ExxonMobil
🏭 Drone Scan to BIM: Digitizing a Cement Plant
❤️Saving Lives: One ROV at a Time
💼 Go to Work: Figure 02 humanoid robot is ready
🐱 Advancing Autonomous Machines: Bobcat Merges with Doosan Robotics
Ever thought about sending a robot where no human wants to go? We're talking about those confined spaces that would give even the bravest of us second thoughts.
In our latest blog post—a recap of the “Remote Robotic Refractory Inspections with ExxonMobil” Energy Drone & Robotics Summit session—we dive into the wild world of remote robotic inspections, where cutting-edge tech meets industrial grit.
Cementing the Future:Holcim, a cement producer, is committed to a major project called Plants of Tomorrow. With this initiative, they aim to roll out Industry 4.0 technologies in the building materials industry - including BIM. They used the Flyability Elios 3 drone for a scan to BIM project, digitizing the entire cement plant with the LiDAR scanner.
Currents Conquered: The SEAMOR Steelhead ROV inspected a Canadian hydro-electric dam’s water intake trash racks for debris at 27 meter depth and (barely) survived extremely dangerous water flow surge. Their ROVs are gradually replacing humans. It's unlikely that divers will not be needed in future, but when they are required they will not have to linger at dangerous depths or plunge into potentially dangerous currents without an ROV first ensuring the area is safe to dive.
SPONSORED BY: US! Get into the Action at the highly anticipated fall Bots & Brews on November 7th in Houston, TX!Showcase your latest technology / solutions or attend to connect with the key asset owners and service operators while enjoying great brews and bites!
This event is co-located with the invitation only Asset Owners: Drone & Robotics Operators Fall Forum, and will happen immediately following the forum from 5:30 to 7:45 pm. This is an excellent opportunity to get in touch with Houston-area asset owners and top leading energy and oil and gas drone and robotics program buyers. 🚨 We have VERY LIMITED Space for the first 10 Sponsors and 150 Attendees.Make sure you get involved in this popular industry event that sells out EVERY time!
WHAT'S NEXT
ANRA Technologies successfully demonstrated its drone inspection capabilities at the New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) facility in White Plains, NY. The event featured live drone operations and showcased ANRA’s Mission Manager software
Xer Technologies and YellowScan announced the successful integration of the YellowScan Navigator bathymetric system into Xer Technologies’ drones, enabling unprecedented long-range bathymetric surveys and inspections.
Figure AI Inc. recently unveiled its second-generation humanoid robot. Figure 02 refines every element of the original Figure 01 design, and the company said it is one step closer to its goal of selling production humanoids to industrial users.
ACSL has taken optimization to the next level with a recent announcement of the TENSO, which is a new smart controller that has been designed to increase efficiency for operators in the field.
WHAT'S THE DEAL
Draganfly Inc. has entered into a strategic partnership with First Atlantic Nickel Corp. to utilize its advanced drone and sensor technology for the exploration of a potentially significant nickel deposit in Atlantic Canada.
Defense tech startup Anduril has closed what will almost certainly end up being one of the largest funding rounds of the year: a $1.5 billion deal that values the company at $14 billion.
GeoCue announced that Gresco Technology Solutions (GTS), a division of Gresco Utility Supply, has joined the GeoCue distribution network. This partnership aims to expand the reach and support for GeoCue’s innovative LiDAR solutions, including TrueView 3D Imaging Sensors and LP360 software.
WHAT ELSE
Pepper the Robot Busts a Move Toward H-Town
(Image Credit: The Business Journals)
RobotLAB has proudly opened in Houston, headed by U.S. Army veteran and local business leader Keith Edwards. Launched in 2023 to meet the growing demand for AI and robotics business solutions, RobotLAB’s nationwide expansion initiative will increase access to automation and operational efficiency solutions like cleaning, delivery and customer service robots throughout Houston, allowing businesses of all sizes to implement cost-saving robot technologies.
“Houston is a diverse hub comprised of restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, world-class hospitals, startups and digital tech firms, and RobotLAB’s new Houston location will ensure businesses have local access to robotics solutions that will reduce turnover rates, fill employment gaps and eliminate operational inefficiencies,” said Elad Inbar, Founder and CEO of RobotLAB. Read on to learn more! --> (h/t The Business Journals)
