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The Robotics Center (CRob) at the University of São Paulo (USP) is currently conducting a project with the aim of introducing robots into oil station operations. The proposal aims to use these devices in tasks that represent a high level of stress or danger for employees in offshore and onshore installations.
The study by the University of São Paulo for such operations was named “Infrastructure for the Development of Robotic Tools for Inspection and Maintenance in Petroleum Installations” and will be carried out in collaboration with the São Carlos School of Engineering (EESC) and the Institute of Physics of São Carlos (IFSC).
The initiative seeks to make it viable to use robots in activities that currently expose workers to life-threatening risks. Marcelo Becker, professor at EESC and coordinator of CRob, highlighted some of these dangers when Newspaper from USP. According to him, in onshore installations the environment is extremely risky due to the presence of flammable and explosive substances.
On offshore platforms, located on the high seas, many employees work on board for 15 days, kilometers from the coast, working 12-hour shifts. Therefore, the purpose of the research is also to reduce work stress and improve working conditions.
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Project intends to acquire 40 robots to facilitate work at stations
The study also has a partnership between Petrobras and the Brazilian Industrial Research and Innovation Company (embrapii). In fact, 40 aerial and terrestrial mobile robots have already been obtained, with different configurations to perform different purposes, such as terrestrial, aerial and hybrid locomotion.
These robots will undergo tests in activities with varying levels of difficulty in oil operations. In total, there are more than 50 scholars developing the USP project today. The investment should be around R$48 million in infrastructure and R$19 million in travel, scholarships, materials and research services.
