#IFactorDigest34: Meet Chevron’s New Energy Robo??-Watchdog??

In the energy world, reliability and efficiency are paramount. To achieve these goals, 雪佛龙 , one of the world's leading oil and gas companies, is turning to an unexpected ally: robotic dogs.

Led by Trey Caylor , Chevron's robotics program manager, the company is partnering with Boston Dynamics to deploy a fleet of robotic pups??, known as Spot?, to enhance the efficiency and safety of its facilities.

?? Safety Boost: Spot? is not your typical pet. With a camera for a head and a mission to improve operations, Spot? conducts plant walkabouts, collecting and analyzing data to help workers make faster, more informed decisions. By flagging safety and equipment issues early on, Spot? allows teams to address them proactively, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a safe working environment.

?? Expanding the Pack: Chevron initially introduced Spot? at its El Segundo Refinery in California in 2022. Following a successful pilot program, Chevron has expanded its use of Spot? to facilities in California, Texas, and Mississippi, underlining its commitment to advancing robotics in its operations.

?? A Mindset Shift: Trey Caylor & Katie G. Pelliccio emphasizes that these robots are tools that help Chevron safely and efficiently run its operations. By embracing robotics, Chevron is changing the way it operates, leveraging technology to access more data and make better decisions??

Spot, the four-legged robot, has been integrated into Chevron’s daily operations to perform safety inspections and operational tasks, reducing human exposure to hazardous environments. Equipped with advanced sensors and AI, Spot can navigate complex terrains, monitor equipment, and detect anomalies that might pose risks.        

?? Scaling Across the Company: Spot has been considered for use in environmental and safety monitoring, as well as emergency management. Its capabilities are being tested in a variety of settings, marking a significant shift from experimental to practical applications.

??? Supporting Chevron’s Culture of Safety: Spot not only supports plant reliability but also safety initiatives. By using Spot to inspect hazardous areas, Chevron is working to keep employees away from dangerous situations and also giving the company a chance to discover potential problems much earlier than they otherwise would.

?? Keeping the Routine, Routine: Along with day-to-day monitoring and asset inspection, Chevron plans to use Spot to collect long-term historical data. For instance, the company will use lidar scanning to produce digital twins of its sites and create before-and-after scans when refineries are shut down for major equipment changes every few years.

Source: https://bostondynamics.com/

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