Gecko Robotics, Al Masaood Energy to Assist ADNOC Gas’ Assets with AI, Robotics

Gecko Robotics and Al Masaood Energy entered a contract, at an estimated ceiling of $30 million, with ADNOC Gas to deploy Gecko’s wall-climbing robots and AI-powered data platform, Cantilever, across its sites. Integrating robotics and AI will facilitate predictive maintenance to increase efficiencies, decrease downtime and CO₂ emissions, and ensure HSE best practice for safety at ADNOC Gas locations. Gecko will also use a new model for predictive maintenance that allows for critical asset inspection while they are online.

“The partnership between Gecko and Al Masaood Energy serves as a compelling demonstration of how cutting-edge technologies can be instrumental in realizing the nation's ambitious net zero objectives,” said Ahmad El Tannir, General Manager of Al Masaood Energy.

These wall-climbing robots contain sensor payloads that build digital maps of critical assets. The Cantilever platform takes data from the robots and combines it with operational data to enable precision repairs and preventive maintenance. Companies and federal agencies utilize Gecko’s Cantilever to lengthen the lifespan and efficiency of critical infrastructure such as power plants, oil refineries, manufacturing facilities, and additional assets.

Wall-climbing robot; Image Credits: Gecko Robotics

During the partnership’s first pilot phase, Gecko’s robotics and AI solutions increased asset coverage by 99.6% and increased efficiency by more than 93% in comparison to manual processes. The solutions reduced the amount of required scaffolding, which was projected to reduce lost time injury rates by 33%.

“ADNOC and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are at the forefront of using Industry 4.0 tools to boost efficiency and decrease their carbon footprint - and the world is noticing,” said Jake Loosararian, Co-Founder and CEO of Gecko Robotics. “Dr. Sultan al-Jabar’s leadership on the world stage at COP28 speaks to ADNOC’s commitment to using new technology to reduce carbon emissions and Gecko is proud to enlist our robots and software to that cause. Great things are happening in the UAE and we’re excited to continue to increase our footprint as part of the NextGenFDI initiative.”

The advanced data collection and analysis capabilities have also demonstrated a reduction in carbon emissions for customers. A third-party study conducted by Rho Impact found that increased asset digitization in the oil and gas industry could decrease carbon emissions by 556 million metric tons per year (mtpa). The 556 mtpa reduction estimate is equivalent to double the annual CO₂ emissions of the UAE.

ADNOC Refining also enlisted the help of GE Gas Power, now GE Vernova, to enhance the efficiency and performance of its general utilities plant in Ruwais, UAE in July 2020. An MXL2 upgrade was installed on a GT13E2 gas turbine and increased the total output of the turbine by 10.7 MW with the same amount of fuel. The MXL2 upgrade allows operators of GT13E2 gas turbines to achieve up to a 1.5% increase in combined cycle efficiency and extend inspection intervals up to 48,000 equivalent operating hours.

More recently, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and ADNOC announced a strategic collaboration agreement (SCA) to assess the possibility of establishing an international, commercially viable liquid hydrogen supply chain. Through the SCA, Kawasaki and ADNOC will jointly explore opportunities in large-scale hydrogen production, liquefaction, infrastructure development, and maritime transportation of hydrogen to potential receivers.