Petronas’ technology commercialisation arm, Petronas Technology Ventures Sdn Bhd has entered into a partnership with Waygate Technologies Robotics AG, to commercialise a jointly developed robotic inspection device and scale its utilisation in the oil and gas industry.
Based on the BIKE robotic system, the device enables improved data management and inspection of confined or hard-to-reach spaces in oil and gas facilities both onshore and offshore. The technology includes a cleaning tool as well as additional ultrasonic and eddy current inspection capabilities.
Under the agreement, Petronas will deploy the updated BIKE robot in more facilities, while WTR will provide comprehensive training and support services. The agreement also marks the commitment by both companies to promote uptake of the device among its partners and customers.
Dr. Mahpuzah said, “Petronas is pleased to join forces with the Robotics team at WTR for their vast experience and patents in mobile robots and inspection technologies. Coupled with the vision and capability of our R&D team, we could create solutions that would benefit our inspection and maintenance operations, as well as streamline our asset management. We also look forward to offering these solutions to other companies in the future.”
WTR Executive General Manager of Visual & Robotic Inspection Solutions, Michael Domke said, “Our R&D teams have been working closely together to tailor our robotic BIKE platform to their specific challenges. The result is a solution that will allow Petronas to minimise safety risks for their personnel as well as the overall downtime of their assets around the globe,” he added.
The companies are also co-developing two new versions of the tool, the BIKE I-Beam, designed to overcome specific obstacles and sharp edges in confined spaces, and a micro crawler version to facilitate inspection of smaller pipes.
