EDR ICYMI: Our Top Stories of Q1 2021
/In the Energy Drone & Robots newsroom, we work hard to keep you updated on the latest news about how energy enterprises are using automation and unmanned systems to improve safety, operations, and more.
We want to make sure you see the most important news, so, in case you missed it (ICYMI), here are our top stories from the first three months of 2021.
3. Enterprise Drone Programs Define Workflows for Photogrammetry + LiDAR
The dichotomy of photogrammetry vs. LiDAR has plagued enterprises for years. Technology has now advanced to the point where solutions can include both.
Companies can evaluate whether they need photogrammetry, LiDAR, or a combination of both. Decisions can be made based on each project’s accuracy needs, budget, resources, and the existing capabilities of operators and entire organizations.
Some of the best solutions that are available today seamlessly use the information provided by both photogrammetry and LiDAR, and are designed to generate accurate, robust deliverables at the lowest cost.
2. Using Drone Technology in the Fight Against Methane Emissions
Oil and gas companies, industry coalitions, NGOs, and startups are all working toward solutions to reduce methane release into the atmosphere. From the Biden administration and the Environmental Defense Fund to Shell and the Texas Methane and Flaring Coalition, efforts are increasing to reduce, detect, and regulate methane emissions.
One of the biggest factors in this fight? Technology.
Methane-detection technologies can be found from the stars to the sea floor—especially drones and unmanned systems. Read the full article to see projects in the works.
Join us for our upcoming Methane Strategies Forum, April 29 from 10 a.m. - 12 noon CST. This timely forum will include discussions on methane strategies, technology, use cases, innovation, and best practices for energy companies to achieve their energy transition and ESG goals. Registration is coming soon. Contact us today if you’d like to get involved.
And our top story, drum roll please...
1. Behind the Scenes: Shell Extracts Big Benefits from Unmanned Systems in 2020
Over the last few years, Shell has started using, and relying on, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned surface vehicles (USV) for inspections, monitoring, surveying and more. Remote technology—that goes much further than a camera on a drone—saves money, improves safety and helps identify issues before they become a problem.
Using unmanned technology for data collection in the types of environments Shell operates in (oil fields, under water, high structures) reduces costs, which eliminates a barrier for important monitoring, and improves safety by reducing the number of inspections that require putting a human in high, small and other dangerous places.
The data collected via UAS is then processed to create actionable insights that provide value and direction for decision-making. To optimize UAS solutions, the data collected is paired with machine learning (ML), data visualisation, and analytics tools.
Whew! In 4 minutes, you just re-lived the biggest stories of the first few months of 2021.
