Snake-like robots are gearing up to monitor the Åsgard oil and gas field off the Norwegian coast, which extends between 240 m and 310 m (787 ft and 1,017 ft) into the sea. But before the expedition begins, the robots will spend a few weeks of final preparations in the Trondheim Fjord, an inlet of the Norwegian Sea, at a depth of 360 m (1,181 ft).
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and Norway’s SINTEF research group first created the snake-like robots 15 years ago. The latest design being tested, the EELY500, builds upon the Eelume underwater maintenance robot from a few years back, and is being developed by the Eelume spinoff company.
The researchers note the new design features improved maneuverability, lightning, cameras, battery, and data capacity.
The torpedo-shaped robots are essentially “self-propelled robotic arms whose slender and flexible body can transit over long distances and carry out IMR in confined spaces not accessible by conventional underwater vehicles,” according to Eelume.
Since it’s a modular system, the robots can be connected in different ways to form numerous underwater vehicles. Plus, its robot arm body can operate tools and complete tasks.
According to Eelume, “Sensors and tools can be mounted anywhere along the flexible body. A dual-arm configuration is achieved by mounting tooling in each end and forming the vehicle body into a U-shape. One end of the arm can grab hold to fixate the vehicle, while the other end can carry out inspection and intervention tasks. One end of the arm can also provide a perspective camera view of a tool operation carried out at the other end.”
No matter the weather, the robots can be deployed 24/7 without a surface vessel, thus, it makes the process more cost efficient, safer, and greener.
The technology hopes to alleviate divers and mini-subs from inspection duties. According to Gemini Research News, a total of 17 divers lost their lives during similar operations from the 1960s to 1980s. The 90s gave way to remote-controlled underwater vehicles (ROVs), and the snake-like robots aim to usher in a new generation of diver-free inspections.
