In the dynamic world of energy, the integration of robotic systems and artificial intelligence in the work environment is becoming more and more essential. The demand – both onshore and offshore, in the oil and gas sector as well as renewables – is being driven by the fact that robots can operate in extreme and hazardous conditions, reducing risks for humans, and significantly enhancing data collection efficiency and strategic decision-making.
The University of Houston – The Energy University – is joining forces with SPRINT Robotics to offer a timely event titled "Workforce of the Future – Robotics in Energy" on August 15 and 16, 2024. The seminar is being sponsored by ROSEN, Chevron, Pike Robotics and Yokogawa.
"We will be highlighting key technologies that are a growing part of the energy sector and create awareness of the skill sets needed to implement this technological transition," said John Allen, industry liaison for the Subsea System Institute, the primary UH entity involved in the event. "As AI and robotics increasingly become part of the work environment, the demand and need for skilled professionals who can work with these systems is also growing."
The two-day event will bring together professionals from the energy and technology sectors, government and academia to address future technology-related workforce challenges and opportunities and encourage collaboration and engagement. Day 1, which has a registration fee, is at Cannon West Houston where Chevron has its Robotics Lab. Attendees will get to tour the lab and network with representatives of Chevron and other Sprint companies.
The second day of the event, hosted on the UH campus, is free and open to the public, however it is targeted to Houston-area university and high school students. It will feature 14 exhibitor booths – from Chevron, Exxon, ROSEN, NOV, Yokogawa, Pike Robotics and KEWAZO among others – with recruiters present and demonstrations of state-of-the-art robotics technologies.
"The goal is to inspire students by highlighting AI and robotics opportunities in the energy sector," Allen said. "There will be industry representatives on hand to offer them guidance and answer questions. We hope to inspire the younger generation to become a part of the energy industry's digital future."
Day 1 keynote, titled "Robotics for Inspection and Maintenance – Where are we and what the road ahead looks like," will be presented by Mauricio Calva, the nondestructive examination expert and inspections robotics engineer in the Quality, Asset Integrity and Reliability Unit at Chevron. His responsibilities cover a broad range of areas, including industrial services, instrumentation design, applications development and research. He is best known for his novel inspection solutions research and development for the company.
The Day 2 keynote, "Harnessing Innovation: Rejuvenate, Repurpose and Reposition", will be provided by Diana K. Grauer, a technical and management consultant for the oil and gas and energy technology industries, is the director of research and development at NOV. She was formerly chief technology officer of Ocean Aero, a startup in the blue economy and offshore technology space. She has also held various technical leadership roles at TechnipFMC, Hoerbiger, and Schlumberger, Cameron, and the U.S. Department of Energy. With over 20 years' experience in research, new product development and manufacturing operations, Grauer serves as an advisor to startups.
A "Career Paths" panel, featuring industry experts offering insights, is scheduled for Day 2. This will be followed by an interactive "Speed Dating" session where attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and network with the panelists.
The second day also includes a poster competition, which will showcase a broad range of innovative research being conducted by students across Houston on the theme of Robotics and AI in Energy. The participating students will get to present their research to industry and academic experts. Winners will be announced at the end of Day 2.
Note: Advance registration is required for each day of the seminar participants want to attend.
