Yokogawa Teams with Shell to Enhance Plant Maintenance with Advanced Robotics and AI

Yokogawa Electric Corporation and Shell Global Solutions International B.V. have entered into a long-term agreement to integrate and further develop robotic and drone technologies for plant monitoring and maintenance. This collaboration, announced from Tokyo, marks a significant stride in addressing the workforce challenges faced by plant owners by enhancing operational efficiency and safety through advanced automation. Enhanced Robotic Solutions with ORE At the heart of this partnership is Shell's Operator Round by Exception (ORE) technology, a digital solution that leverages machine vision and AI analytics to enable robots and drones to autonomously perform critical tasks. These tasks include reading gauges, detecting leaks, and identifying machinery issues during operator rounds. ORE was developed over a two-year period within Shell, combining expertise in machine vision, integrity management, remote site inspection, and corrosion management. Yokogawa will integrate ORE into its OpreX™ Robot Management Core, a software platform designed to streamline plant maintenance tasks typically handled by human operators. By connecting to a plant's control and safety systems, OpreX can instruct robots and drones, paving the way for autonomous plant operations. The integration of ORE will significantly expand the range of use cases available to OpreX customers in the energy, chemicals, and other industries. Pilot Deployment and Continuous Innovation As part of this agreement, Yokogawa's robotics and drone operations will be deployed at two Shell facilities for pilot testing. These pilots aim to evaluate how robotics and drones can improve efficiency and reduce risks in plant monitoring and maintenance. Shell's Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam, established in 2022, serves as the platform for this collaboration, fostering innovation through partnerships among companies, societal organizations, governments, and universities. Both companies are committed to ongoing research and development (R&D) to continuously enhance the machine vision technology. An aligned R&D roadmap has been agreed upon to ensure that the technology remains at the forefront of industry advancements, providing cutting-edge solutions to the energy and industrial sectors. Leadership Statements Masaharu Maeda, Yokogawa Electric’s vice president, executive officer, and head of the Solutions Business Division, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. "We are very excited to be working with Shell on this key technology field that promises to address the workforce challenges facing plant owners by significantly improving the efficiency of rounds in the field, while also reducing the inherent risk to operators. We look forward to making it available to industrial facility owners globally in the near future and contributing to safer and more efficient workplaces." Gerben de Jong, CIO for Shell Integrated Gas, Upstream, and Projects & Technology, highlighted the potential of the collaboration. "Shell and Yokogawa have a proud history of developing together to enable advanced automation solutions for our sites. With this agreement, we are taking our relationship to the next level. Robotics solutions combined with AI provide the potential to create a step change in productivity and safety." Industry Impact and Company Profiles This collaboration is seen as a pivotal step in advancing the industrial sector's move toward autonomous operations. Industry insiders note that the integration of AI and robotics in plant maintenance can lead to substantial cost savings, improved accuracy, and enhanced safety. Automation reduces the need for human intervention in hazardous environments, thereby minimizing exposure to dangerous conditions and increasing overall efficiency. Yokogawa, founded in 1915 in Tokyo, is a leading provider of advanced solutions in measurement, control, and information across various industries, including energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. The company employs over 17,000 professionals in a global network of 128 companies across 62 countries. Yokogawa's focus is on optimizing production, asset, and supply chain management through the effective application of digital technologies. Shell, a major player in the global energy market, is committed to the energy transition and the development of innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the industry. The creation of the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam underscores Shell's dedication to fostering a collaborative ecosystem that drives progress in renewable energy, carbon capture, and other sustainability initiatives. Together, Yokogawa and Shell are setting a new standard in plant maintenance and monitoring, demonstrating the power of collaboration in driving technological advancement and industry transformation.