Streamline operational processes and reduce asset integrity management risks
Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO:6841) announces that it has signed a long-term agreement with Shell Global Solutions International Ltd. (“Shell”) to jointly integrate and further develop technologies for plant monitoring and maintenance using robots and drones. Under the agreement, Yokogawa will integrate the advanced machine vision tool Operator Round by Exception (ORE), developed by Shell, into its own OpreX™ robot management core platform. Yokogawa will promote this enhanced software service to customers in the energy, chemicals, and other related industries.
ORE is a digital solution that uses machine vision and AI analytics to enable robots to autonomously perform multiple tasks during operator inspections, such as reading meters, checking for leaks and equipment issues, etc. The solution is the result of a two-year collaboration within Shell, combining machine vision strategies with its deep technical capabilities in integrity management, remote field inspections and corrosion management.
OpreX Robot Management Core Platform is a key product in Yokogawa’s robotics solutions. The software helps customers maintain facilities more safely and efficiently by integrating and managing various types of robots used to perform plant maintenance tasks (which are usually done manually). When the platform is connected to the plant’s control and safety systems, the acquired data can be used to issue instructions to the robots, which is an important step towards achieving autonomous plant operation. With the introduction of Shell ORE technology, the application scenarios that OpreX Robot Management Core Platform can provide to customers will increase significantly.
Next, Yokogawa’s robotics business will conduct a pilot deployment at two Shell factories to explore how robots and drones can create value by improving factory monitoring and maintenance efficiency.
This cooperation is the first important milestone in Yokogawa and Shell’s joint cooperation in the Amsterdam Energy Transition Park. The park was established by Shell in 2022 to provide a collaborative platform for enterprises, social organizations, governments and universities to jointly explore future energy solutions. In addition, Shell and Yokogawa have reached a cooperation intention on a unified R&D roadmap to further develop and enhance machine vision technology to ensure continuous technological innovation and improvement. This cooperation demonstrates the two companies’ common commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for the energy and industrial sectors.
Masaharu Maeda, Yokogawa’s Vice President, Executive Officer, and Head of the Solutions Business Unit, said: “We are very pleased to be collaborating with Shell on this critical technology. This technology has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of field inspections and reduce the inherent risks faced by operators, effectively addressing the human resource challenges faced by plant owners. We look forward to bringing this technology to industrial facility owners around the world in the near future to help create safer and more efficient workplaces.”
“Shell and Yokogawa have a proud history of working together to develop advanced automation solutions for operations. This agreement marks the next step in our partnership,” said Gerben de Jong, Chief Information Officer for Shell’s Integrated Gas, Upstream and Projects & Technology division. “Robotic solutions combined with AI technologies have the potential to significantly improve productivity and safety.”
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