Q: Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with regards to Robotics and the IMechE’s “Advancing Remote Inspections Technologies: The Robotics Revolution”
James Kell, Jacobs (JK): Over the past three decades, I've been fortunate to build on a rich foundation in nuclear technology. My focus has shifted towards leveraging our extensive expertise in diverse sectors. We specialize in the design, development, and deployment of robotic and remote handling systems, specifically tailored to prolong the operational life of critical national infrastructure. While our primary robotics operations are centred in the UK, our reach extends to the United States, and more recently, Japan.
Our strengths lie in a combination of specialised software, simulation capabilities, and hardware proficiency. As industry-leading integrators, we have the advantage of tapping into a vast repository of off-the-shelf technologies to complement our innovative solutions.
Our strengths lie in a combination of specialised software, simulation capabilities, and hardware proficiency. As industry-leading integrators, we have the advantage of tapping into a vast repository of off-the-shelf technologies to complement our innovative solutions.
In my current role, I'm tasked with identifying potential collaborators and sectors for partnership. I work closely with our technical team at Jacobs to steer the development of cutting-edge technologies, ensuring that we are poised to offer the most fitting solutions when the need arises. This involves drawing from our past successes, such as extending the operational lifespan of a nuclear plant and applying similar principles to safeguard other critical national infrastructure.
What excites me most about this role is its dynamic nature. No two days are alike. Just last week, my engagements ranged from discussions with clients in the space, airports, defence and clean water sectors. While the terminology may vary, many of the challenges across industries share striking similarities.
I'm also pleased to share that we've recently launched an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's (EPSRC) partnership with the University of Manchester, known as the Centre for Robotic Autonomy in Demanding and Long-lasting Environments (CRADLE) (www.cradlerobotics.co.uk). This collaboration involves around 15 academic professionals joining forces with us to further enhance our research and development endeavours.
It's been a privilege to collaborate with the IMechE in formulating the program and concepts for this conference. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with you there!
Nick Tudor, Net Zero Technology Centre (NT): At present, many companies are running their own investigations/trials/demonstrations of various robotics systems, but there is no collective view of ‘what good looks like’. In the OLTER programme we have drawn together the offshore industry from the North Sea in order to collaborate. This is manifested in a Design Authority for which I am the Chair. We are focussed on what is needed to enable fully autonomous services in the offshore sector, which includes the vehicles, the practices/procedures, skill sets and crucially, defining the test/certification that will be needed.
Ian Kane, Siemens Energy (IK): I started working with Robotic Technology in September 2022 after spending 16 years in the Rotating Equipment world. My role is to promote safer inspections of Pressure Systems and help customers avoid unscheduled outages using data collected.
Q: What, in your experience, has been the biggest roadblock for utilising innovative technologies in your sector?
JK: The primary roadblock to deploying innovative technologies in our sector is navigating strict regulations due to the critical nature of national infrastructure, and we’re actively working with regulators to test new ways to accelerate such discussions. Bridging the gap between science fiction and reality is also a challenge, as it shapes unrealistic public expectations. We must work to convey that AI and robotics are here to assist, not hinder.
Additionally, fostering open communication about sector-specific challenges can be difficult due to commercial sensitivities and the perception that some problems are too unique. However, cross-industry collaboration has shown that solutions can be found elsewhere.
To address these challenges, we prioritise collaboration with regulatory bodies, industry experts and partners. Our research and development efforts ensure that our innovations meet rigorous standards while pushing technological boundaries. Despite the hurdles, we remain committed to delivering safe and reliable solutions.
NT: There are two: a convincing business case; and addressing safety/reliability concerns in order to be able to deliver a service. As an industry, we have to be able to define what ‘good looks like’ and this means not just the sunny day functionality but being able to show that ‘never’ behaviours are absent and to be able to show what happens when [not ‘if’] something goes wrong. All this costs, needs an agreed performance /reliability of components that all add up to a safe, dependable service. This will need facilities to enable test and certification which do not yet exist.
IK: Mainly the fear of change followed by the fear of the management of change process. Owners/Operators have been inspecting their assets in set ways for years, even decades. They have a good routine, and it is difficult to change mindsets even when the benefits standout. We always need to be prepared to answer question starting with “What if”.
Q: What key topics are you excited to discuss at this year's seminar?
JK: The panel session focusing on finding common ground across diverse industries promises to be valuable. It provides a platform to explore shared challenges and opportunities that can lead to innovative solutions. I'm enthusiastic about the potential insights that will emerge from this discussion.
Additionally, the transition from ideas within universities into commercially viable products is an area ripe for development. As a country, we have the potential to excel in this aspect, and I look forward to discussions on how we can enhance our success.
Furthermore, I'm particularly eager to engage with sectors we haven't interacted with extensively yet such as the wind turbine inspection industry.
NT: The progress we have made with OLTER has been very exciting as we have contributed in the move from one-off demonstrations to the point where in one domain, we now have the offshore industry moving to ask for services to be offered.
IK: Through our partnership with Gecko Robotics Inc, we can showcase how through robotic technology and AI we can help owners of power boilers, storage tanks and pipework assess the integrity of their assets and help them plan repair work required increasing uptime.
Q: What would you say are the technologies or applications to watch for the future?
JK: In terms of future technologies and applications, one area of significant promise lies in the collaboration between human operators and autonomous robotic systems, both individually and as a collective unit. For example, envision a scenario where a single operator efficiently controls a fleet of robots, optimizing coverage across a large area in record time. This represents a leap forward in efficiency and productivity.
Moreover, the continued advancement of AI and machine learning is set to revolutionise various industries. These technologies have the potential to not only enhance the capabilities of individual robots but also enable them to adapt and learn in dynamic environments.
Additionally, the development of more sophisticated sensor technologies is on the horizon. These sensors will provide robots with a greater understanding of their surroundings, allowing for more precise and adaptable navigation. This, in turn, opens new possibilities for applications in complex and challenging environments.
NT: There are moves afoot in high assurance software techniques that will be the key enabler for fully autonomous platforms. As AI cannot be verified there is little point in trying to build a safety case around it, but having high assurance, automated verification techniques for non-AI software may well enable autonomy to be deployed in a scalable service offering. There may well soon be autonomous air services within the offshore sector and shortly from land to offshore platforms in non-segregated airspace which is very exciting.
IK: Currently the big buzzword is AI and all of us having different views around this topic. But we already know it can be a useful tool as long as the purpose is well defined.
Additive printing/welding is another area which has come leaps and bounds helping companies minimise delays due to the current Supply Chain issues. This technology will grow even more rapidly thanks to our engineering teams.
Q: Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
NT: All the different sectors have plenty of learning from experience to share and that’s the attraction for me.
IK: • Samuel White from Jacobs will be discussing a topic which is right up our street : “Maintaining our critical national infrastructure: How Jacobs Robotics is securing tomorrow’s world”. We fully agree that worldwide, we are relying on assets which are 70 years old and more. The Supply Chain is struggling to keep up due to shortage of new materials meaning we have to look at upgrading/reconditioning rather than replacing. To do that we need to know the current assets inside/out.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join this event?
JK: This event provides a unique platform for networking and knowledge exchange with peers and experts from diverse engineering fields. This cross-pollination of ideas often leads to innovative solutions and fresh perspectives on common challenges.
NT: There are plenty of examples of R&D money being used to run trials/demonstrations that have not considered how to get the capability into a viable business. They have not considered the engineering challenges which includes the principles of adherence to standards, provision of a safety case and how to do all this for a cost that would be acceptable to the market.
IK: Currently one of the many problems for governments and the energy industry is how do we keep our infrastructures safe and operational. This event should show all that robotic technology is not after human jobs but an enabler to ensure that can work towards common goals such as net-zero. Having engineers attend this event is vital to help find new and exciting ways of working/inspecting.
The Advancing Remote Inspection Technologies seminar will be taking place on 6 December 2023 at the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester. Join this event to:
- Learn more about robotic integration in remote inspection technologies: emerging trends, technological breakthroughs, and best practice
- Acquire actionable insights on implementing technologies, through case studies
- Network with industry experts, solution providers, researchers, and peers
- Gain a forward-looking perspective into the future landscape of this cross-industry technology
The necessity for new and innovative technologies to undertake remote inspection is growing in the industrial sector. These technologies’ main goal is to assess structural integrity, evaluate the surrounding settings, and develop 3D models of challenging environments, in a safe manner. This seminar will feature case studies from the wind, oil & gas, rail, nuclear and aerospace industries. The event will bridge the existing gap between researchers and stakeholders, providing participants with key insights into this rapidly evolving field.
To view the programme and book your place, visit www.imeche.org/remoteinspection