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Christopher explained his role and involvement with regards to the seminar, critical engineering challenges, what he is looking forward to at the event and why it is important for professionals to attend.
Q: Briefly explain your role and involvement within Robotics and Autonomous Systems in Offshore Wind?
Christopher Rowland (CR): As UK Field Manager for Inspection Management within the Ørsted Operations business, I am closely involved in trialling, evaluating and contracting firms undertaking robotic and autonomous systems for inspection activities as part of our O&M services across our Offshore Wind portfolio.
Q: What is the number one challenge for those using or benefitting from these technologies in today’s current market?
CR: I believe the number one challenge is not managing operational risk, technological challenges or regulatory constraints, but realising the potential of the technology itself and looking beyond the obvious applications for those that can provide substantially higher value over the medium and long term.
Q: What is the most exciting development in this field at the moment, either within your company or in the industry in general?
CR: I have recently been involved in the first autonomous UAS inspection of an 8.0MW turbine. This was quite an exciting milestone in the maturity of autonomous external blade inspections.
Q: Where do you see the future of Robotics and Autonomous Systems in Offshore Wind going in the next 5–10 years?
CR: I believe logistical support to be a large growth area with supply of spare parts locally and BVLOS becoming standard practise in the years to come. I hope that there will be exciting developments with the possibility for personnel transfer to improve safety and reduce risky transfer operations.
Q: What key things can attendees expect to learn from your presentation?
CR: I hope to provide insight into some of the operational challenges to realising new technology into O&M services including the business case, operational risk and regulatory framework.
Q: What other presentations or topics are you looking forward to hearing more about at the forthcoming seminar?
CR: I am looking forward to hearing more from Iain Wallace at Rovco on their work with Artificial Intelligence and the future of subsea inspection, as well as from Mark Emerton about the Government Industrial Strategies for RAS.
Q: Why do you feel it is important for all professionals to join this seminar?
CR: This is an extremely fast moving and exciting area within a growing sector in both the UK and globally. It provides a great opportunity for those working in the sector to bring together possibilities with realities to help facilitate better solutions.
Robotics and Autonomous Systems in Offshore Wind Operation and Maintenance Services takes place on 23 May 2019 at One Birdcage Walk, London. Join this seminar to:
- Hear from leading organisations about the challenges facing the delivery of Offshore Wind O&M services and opportunities for cost reduction and health and safety improvements
- Understand how Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) can reduce OPEX and improve energy generation and health and safety
- Learn about the latest developments in RAS applied to Offshore Wind O&M and ongoing demonstration projects
- Meet and discuss with RAS experts including leading academic, research and test centres and end users in the offshore wind industry
- Ask key questions about how RAS can be applied to your specific operations and maintenance needs during the Q&A sessions following each presentation
To book your place, please visit www.imeche.org/offshorewind.