Robotic Field Worker Solution: Operational deployment best practices and processes

In the past 10-15 years, robots for use at remote (offshore) sites in the Oil & Gas industry have been developed as isolated stand-alone units. With one exception, demonstrations, tests and actual use have been incidental, and organized on an ad hoc basis. Now the time is ready for a further commoditization of robotic services and their deployment for routine tasks. A Robot as a Service (RaaS) model must be developed and implemented that includes not only the Robotic field worker itself, but also maintenance, repair, (temporary) replacement, upgrading and all required logistics. 

This Best Practices document has been written to help guide Oil & Gas companies to introduce the robotic field worker solution to their remote sites and integrate these solutions with their IT systems and operational procedures. It covers many practical aspects, ranging from the first Design Review and Factory Acceptance Test, via communication, navigation, inspection and interpretation, all the way to operational and digital integration and ethics. 

It is also meant to serve as a reference for developers of Robotic field worker solutions and service providers, to provide insight into requirements and expectations. 

This Best Practices document is meant to be a Work in Progress. Mirroring the growing experience in this relatively new field, the recommendations will be honed and extended, resulting in next versions. 

Author : Steve Smith (BP) 
In collaboration with SPRINT Robotics Action Group for Remote Operations (AGRO) and the Operational deployment best practices and processes working group