Role of robotics in improving construction site safety in O&G

Saudi Aramco researchers Rashid Alrashid, Mahmoud Elzayat, Abdulazez Alshammari explore the use of three robotic machineries in the construction of onshore and offshore hydrocarbon facilities

- ABDULAZIZ KHATTAK

THE construction of an onshore and offshore hydrocarbon facilities is highly complex and comprise significant safety challenges that must be effectively managed.

Thus, the industry has adopted the concept of process automation, which replaces manual tasks with faster and more automated systems.

Human-robot interaction theory underlines how important is the dynamic working relationship between humans and robots to enhance both safety and efficiency.

Research shows that automated conCES struction techare nologies advancing rapidly, and that robots can be more accurate and efficient than humans in repetitive tasks.

Robotics and machineries are proven to enhance safety in the industry of construction when compared to humans.

They not only can work in hazardous environments to prevent humans from direct exposure to hazard but can also reduce project schedule and cost.

Integrating process automation usually begins during early stage of project particularly in the planning and design phases, where specific construction activities are selected for automation.

Saudi Aramco executives Rashid Alrashid, Senior Project Engineer, Mahmoud Elzayat, Supervisor Project Engineer, and Abdulazez Alshammari, Project Engineer, in their paper focus on how to integrate the use of three robotic machineries in the construction of oil and gas facilities, namely robotic welding system, drones and underwater robots.