Transforming Industrial Operations with AI-Powered Robotics

Innovate Energy Now recently covered one of the most talked-about sessions at Cognite’s IMPACT 2024 user conference: "Revolutionizing Industry: The Impact of Real-Time Digital Twins and AI Robotics." Delivered by Stein Danielsen of Cognite and Anette Jacobsen of Equinor, the session explored how AI-powered robotics and real-time digital twins revolutionize industrial operations, drive efficiency, and enhance safety.

In this session, Danielsen outlined four major trends reshaping industry: advanced AI models, autonomous data capture, humanoid robotics, and AI agents. These advancements enable digital twins to evolve into dynamic, real-time systems that provide actionable insights. Jacobsen then offered compelling examples of how robotics and digital twins are transforming Equinor’s operations:

• Robotic Inspections and Maintenance: Robots perform high-risk tasks, such as confined-space inspections, sandblasting, and welding, reducing the need for human exposure to hazardous environments.
• Emergency Repairs: Robots repaired a steam leak on a refinery flare without halting production—saving $20 million in downtime costs.
• Water Sampling Automation: Robots autonomously dock, collect water samples, and operate continuously, enhancing precision and efficiency in environmental monitoring.
• Hazardous Environment Operations: Robots with EX safety certifications manage operations in environments too dangerous for humans, such as offshore platforms.

Equinor’s success demonstrates how data contextualization and advanced industrial AI capabilities can drive innovations. Equinor uses Cognite Data Fusion® to connect and contextualize data from disparate sources, creating the foundation for Cognite Atlas AI™. This Industrial AI Agent workbench enhances the capabilities of digital twins and robotics, enabling them to automate complex tasks, improve accuracy, and drive efficiency. By integrating these technologies, organizations like Equinor are redefining what’s possible in industrial operations, creating safer, more efficient, and more sustainable practices.

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Dive deeper into the innovations and conversations at IMPACT 2024 by exploring our recap:Two Full Days at IMPACT 2024.

For the full article from Innovate Energy Now, visitInsights on Digital Twins and Robotics from Cognite and Equinor.