Artificial Intelligence (AI) is drawing increasingly closer to modern life and is increasingly distant from science fiction, which portrayed it as part of a dystopian future. Today it can be activated by voice, as in the case of personal assistants such as Siri and Alexa, and perform automatic online data analyses, feeding social media algorithms with accurate information about their users. Things could be no different in industry. Robots are used in various operations, from the manufacturing stage to the inspection and repair of equipment in variable, uncertain and unknown environments.

With sub-themes of this science, such as machine learning, Artificial Intelligence analyses and provides support for complex decision-making tasks. The Internet of Things, for example, involves automatic communication between sensors, software, equipment and devices, and the industrial version (Industrial IoT) creates the links between devices, processes and products, capturing and analysing information.

Additive manufacturing, with 3D printing, has added agility and flexibility in manufacturing. Using this technology, it is possible to print parts in the most diverse materials (such as titanium, for example) and in more complex geometries. The blockchain (also known as “trust protocol”) is emerging as a solution for confirmations of high reliability transactions.

These technologies, alone, already constitute an enormous advance for the oil and gas industry. However, their combination in a continuous cycle makes it possible to develop “out-of-the-box” solutions. It is here that Ouro Negro leaves its mark. As a technology company focused on the generation of solutions that lever the oil industry’s core business, its business units are fully qualified to operate in all these stages, aligned with robotics, electronic and software innovations.

Why not imagine a scenario in which these technologies cooperate to generate positive results?

• An intelligent contract inserted in a blockchain, governs the agreements and payments of a new technology’s stages of production;
• The service requested requires the development of an autonomous robotic solution for ultra-deep waters;
• Before development a prototype of the equipment is made using 3D printing, enabling concept and functionality tests to be performed before final manufacture, saving time and financial resources;
• With dock stations installed on the seabed, Industrial IoT sensors capture, analyze and generate data, assisting a subsea robot and sending data to users;
• The data is analyzed by software and, through Artificial Intelligence, the robot is able to take autonomous decisions, in addition to generating integrity forecasts (machine learning);
• After performing the service the robot collects the Industrial IoT subsea network data and generates a complete report, dispatching it to the surface;
• Following delivery of the report, payment is made automatically by the intelligent contract.
• Why not install 3D printers, which can produce spare parts on demand, on platforms?

The development of the oil and gas industry requires a partnership aligned with high-end innovations and technologies.
Ouro Negro is ready to help in this transformation.

Julio Guedes
Manager, Robotics Systems