Robotic Automation and the Future of Mining and Oil and Gas Field Machinery Manufacturing
Overview
The future of the mining, oil, and gas field machinery manufacturing industries is poised for a dramatic shift as robotic automation becomes increasingly prevalent. Already, there are predictions that nearly 45% of mining activities can be automated with current technology, and it's expected that the global robotic process automation (RPA) market size in oil and gas will reach USD 2.6 billion by 2027. Crucial factors driving automation include a growing need for safer operations, increased efficiency, and reduced costs.
Adoption of Robotic Automation in Mining and Oil & Gas Industries
The pressing need for safer, efficient, and cost-effective operations in the mining and oil & gas industries are key drivers for the adoption of robotic automation. According to McKinsey, nearly 45% of mining activities can be automated using current technology, mitigating risks to human safety. In the oil & gas sector, the use of robotics for inspection and maintenance tasks, reducing the risk to human workers and improving operational efficiency, have gained traction. Such adoption not only enhances workers' safety but could also lead to efficiency gains of up to 15-20% by minimizing equipment downtime.
Growing Market for Robotic Automation in These Sectors
The robotic process automation market in oil & gas is expected to reach USD 2.6 billion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 25.5% from 2020, as per Grand View Research. This growth bodes well for the mining industry too, with the global mining automation market predicted to reach USD 6.2 billion by 2025 from USD 2.22 billion in 2017, according to Research and Markets. The rising need for improved productivity, increased accuracy, and safer work environments contribute greatly to this growth.
Challenges and Solutions in Implementing Robotic Automation
Despite the immense potential, the implementation of robotic automation comes with challenges. Chief among these is ensuring the safety and reliability of robotic systems. A Rockwell Automation survey found that 60% of companies consider obtaining safety certification a significant hurdle. Also, realizing the full capability of robots without compromising safety can be a delicate balance. Solutions such as Control Barrier Functions (CBFs) technology can provide mathematically provable safety, easing these concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 45% of mining activities can be automated with existing technology, potentially increasing safety and efficiency.
- The robotic process automation market in oil & gas is predicted to reach USD 2.6 billion by 2027, suggesting a growing trend of automation in these industries.
- Implementing robotic automation can pose challenges, with safety certification being a top concern for 60% of companies.
3Laws Robotics is helping to address these challenges and support the industry's shift towards robotic automation. Developing innovative software to enhance the safety and reliability of robotic systems, 3Laws' primary focus is addressing the certification challenge - a significant concern for many companies in the industry.
Their software, the 3Laws Supervisor, aims to simplify safety certification by offering robust safety features and providing evidence of system robustness. This safety-first software is built upon Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), a technology developed at Caltech, assuring mathematically provable safety. 3Laws' technology can be applied across diverse industries and applications, offering cost and efficiency benefits.
3Laws aims to enhance operational efficiency by minimizing downtime caused by unnecessary e-stops or collisions. By offering real-time guardrails for autonomy stacks, it allows robots to operate closer to their peak capabilities while maintaining safety. And as this software is adaptable, it works with a wide range of platforms, including mobile robots, cars, drones, and manipulators. Compatible with popular robotics middleware like ROS and ROS2, 3Laws Robotics presents as a next-generation safety solution, offering a proactive approach to safety that unlocks the full potential of robotics.