Tüpraş Begins Field Trials of Autonomous Robots

Tüpraş continues digitalisation efforts in production facilities under its roadmap for robotic technologies. Focused on safe work practices, the company has begun testing artificial intelligence-enabled autonomous robot applications in hazardous working environments at refinery sites. As a pioneer and innovator in digitalisation within the energy sector, Tüpraş's latest move was field testing of Boston Dynamics' robot Spot. Operating with "safety" as its fundamental value across all business processes, Tüpraş continues to implement innovative digitalisation applications under its Robotics Roadmap. To this end, the Tüpraş Robotics Team, established in 2020, continues project development work on advanced technologies with contributions from relevant technical teams across all refineries.

Intelligent Autonomous Robot Spot

Tüpraş has conducted pilot trials with robotic technologies in periodic inspection work on oil storage tanks, measurements at heights of several metres, and hazardous work areas at refinery sites. Most recently, the company began test applications with Boston Dynamics' intelligent autonomous robot Spot in production facilities. In doing so, it became one of Turkey's pioneering users of this technology in production environments. By using robots in production facilities, Tüpraş aims to support safe and secure working conditions. The technology simplifies repetitive tasks in hazardous processes, enabling technical teams to apply their expertise in different areas. The robot, equipped with refinery-specific sensors by Norwegian unicorn startup Cognite, underwent trial work to perform routine inspections first at İzmit Refinery, followed by Kırıkkale Refinery. Following detailed technical evaluation in light of data and information obtained from field trials, feasibility studies will be conducted taking into account usage requirements in various areas.

Leadership target in the energy of the future

With the goal of leadership in the future energy sector, Tüpraş has announced its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 and its strategic transformation plan. In the area of digitalisation, which it views as one of the most important building blocks in its transformation journey, the company continues pioneering and innovative applications for the future under its artificial intelligence and robotics technologies roadmap. Alongside its own resources and initiatives, Tüpraş continues to participate in international platforms and pursue product and project development through joint R&D projects and start-up collaborations to access technologies that will contribute to operational excellence within sustainable refining activities. The company, which contributes to safe work processes through artificial intelligence applications and minimises energy use and costs, will also benefit from artificial intelligence algorithms in reducing carbon emissions.

Analogue data can be obtained

Thanks to Spot's advanced management platform supported by three-dimensional models, expected actions can be easily defined. Upon receiving the necessary instructions, the robot can complete its task independently without requiring additional guidance. Supported by wireless connectivity, the robot can instantly provide the operator with all types of supporting data, such as live image transmission via a 360-degree camera. Remote manual control capability can also be provided to manage non-routine or emergency operations. Different types of analogue gauges, level indicators, valve opening indicators, and various safety checks at field sites can be performed autonomously by the robot. Images obtained from equipment photographs are processed to generate numerical data, which can be recorded and monitored in time series format.

Leak detection is much easier

Thanks to cameras supported by artificial intelligence, any liquid that may form on the ground is easily detected, while gases in the environment can be detected through sensors on the robot.

Thermal imaging

The robot reports temperature values of the areas it views through its thermal camera. The temperature data obtained can be processed through an integrated data management system to generate smarter alerts through retrospective comparisons.

A new dimension for safety - 3D modelling

The robot can also create three-dimensional models of its environment using ambient scanning cameras. Objects can be identified through image processing methods and compared with previously obtained data to generate alerts for foreign materials that should not be present in the environment. One of the greatest benefits obtained through this method is the ability to keep evacuation routes for emergency use always clear. Additionally, the robot detects obstacles along predetermined routes using environmental sensing sensors and can determine the action needed to overcome the obstacle through advanced decision support mechanisms without requiring any intervention. *Robotic dog Spot is supported by Cognite's core software product Cognite Data Fusion (CDF).   Source