Robotics Driving Energy Sector Transformation Across Fossil Fuels and Renewables

Robotics has significantly advanced energy operations, supporting both the fossil fuel and renewable energy sectors. In oil and gas, robots have enhanced safety by reducing human exposure to hazardous situations and enabling remote operations, particularly vital during the Covid-19 pandemic. As robotics technology evolves, it is expected to accelerate the green transition while continuing to support fossil fuel operations.

Robots now play a crucial role in maintaining wind turbines, replacing the need for large vessels. For instance, the BladeBUG robot, developed by the UK-based company BladeBUG, performs detailed inspections of wind turbine blades, improving efficiency and safety. Additionally, Honuworx's Ridley, an underwater platform for deploying large subsea robots, is set to replace ship-based crane systems, offering real-time operational data and reduced risks.

In the solar sector, robotics is aiding in semiconductor material identification for photovoltaic cells and automating panel installation. AES Corporation in the US introduced Maximo, a robot capable of installing solar panels twice as fast and at half the cost of human labor.

As investment in robotics grows, these technologies are poised to make energy projects safer, more efficient, and cost-effective, with widespread adoption expected across global energy operations.

Source: Investitor