
A bionic inspector rolls in
Sensabot is a robot bristling with sensors and cameras that can carry out inspections of oil and gas field equipment in the most challenging environments. It is controlled remotely by operators and can go anywhere humans can, but without needing additional protection.
A bionic inspector rolls in for Shell
Title: A bionic inspector rolls in
Duration: 58 seconds
Video transcript
[Music plays]
[Animated sequence]
There is a yellow robot (Sensabot) with four wheels and a extendable boom (looks like a small crane).
[Text displays]
A robot bristling with sensors and video cameras that can inspect equipment in oil and gas fields in challenging environments ....
...while humans control it from up to 100 kilometres away.
[Animated sequence]
Sensabot rolls over rough terrain
[Text displays]
Sensabot rolls at the pace of a brisk walk, even over rough terrain
[Animated sequence]
[Sensabot's extendable boom expands upwards and then focus on the cameras at the end of the boom]
[Text displays]
It's extendable boom gives it a long reach...
...and contains an array of sensors and cameras
[Animated sequence]
Shot moves inside to two computer screens and someone moving a joystick
[Text displays]
Sensabot sends live video from 10 different angles, giving a 360 degree view
It can go everywhere a human can
[Animated sequence]
Sensabot is seen going up in a lift
[Text displays]
Remote operators control Sensabot with joysticks as it feeds back live video and data
[Animated sequence]
Moves back inside to the computers with a person moving the joystick and controlling Sensabot
Camera zooms in to the computer monitor
[Text displays]
Its powerful zoom lens can focus on small detail
Its wheels can use a cog-railway system to go up or down
[Animated sequence]
Sensabot comes down the cog-railway system
[Text displays]
After work, Sensabot returns to its crate to recharge its battery
[Animated sequence]
Sensabot goes back into a black charging system
Shell logo: Pecten

Undersea robots are commonly used in the energy industry to maintain equipment in deep waters, where extreme pressures stop humans from venturing.
Now a robot can help tackle minor hazards on the surface or on land before they grow more serious, without needing additional protection like a human would. Called Sensabot, it is waterproof and dustproof and can work on platforms in stormy seas or in oil and gas fields in remote, hostile environments. It can go for up to six months at a time without the need for servicing.
Oil and gas operations are usually safe enough for technicians in protective gear to carry out inspection and maintenance tasks. But to improve safety where potential hazards exist, scientists at Carnegie Mellon University's National Robotics Engineering Center in Pittsburgh, USA, worked with Shell engineers to develop Sensabot, for use in Kazakhstan by the joint venture North Caspian Operating Company.
A close-up view
Sensabot is a multi-talented robot packed with sensors and cameras. It can drive through gravel, mud, slush and snow and can even climb vertical surfaces using rails on the outside of process modules. It can travel up to three kilometres with at least four hours’ operating time between charges.
An operator sitting in a control centre out of harm’s way guides Sensabot over a wi-fi or mobile network. Progress is monitored via high-definition video as it inspects pipes and valves in complex installations. It gathers data about temperature, noise and vibrations, and sniffs for any toxic and flammable gases that might be present.
An additional advantage is that operators can also draw on a range of experts around the world using its remote connection, helping to assess Sensabot’s findings.
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