The integration of robotics and drones in asset management and asset performance management (APM) has significantly enhanced efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Organisations across industries, including utilities, transportation, oil and gas, and manufacturing, are leveraging these technologies to improve asset inspections, predictive maintenance and data collection.
Robotic systems are being used for in-depth inspections and maintenance tasks in confined or dangerous environments. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR and thermal imaging sensors are now widely used for remote asset inspections. They provide real-time visual and analytical data, allowing asset managers to assess structural integrity, corrosion, and other defects without requiring manual inspections in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas. This has proven particularly beneficial for inspecting power lines, pipelines, bridges, and offshore platforms, where traditional inspections are time-consuming and pose safety risks. Advanced drones can also autonomously follow predefined flight paths, integrating with asset management systems to automate inspection schedules and trigger maintenance actions based on condition assessments.
This session will share some examples of organisations using robotics and drones to capture real-time condition data of critical assets to minimise unplanned downtime and extend the life of critical infrastructure.