Autonomous Robots for Industrial Inspection in Hazardous Zones
How the Vision 60 is transforming remote inspection and operational safety in complex refinery environments.
The Challenges
Oil & Gas refineries present complex industrial environments with hazardous, high-temperature zones, flammable materials, and tight, confined spaces.
- Human inspection crews face exposure risks including gas leaks, slips, trips, high noise, and heat stress—often requiring shutdowns or special PPE.
- Routine checks on pipes, valves, tanks, and machinery across vast areas are time-consuming and labor-intensive, increasing downtime and reducing efficiency.
Our Approach
Ghost Robotics deployed the Vision 60 Q-UGV, equipped with modular sensors for gas detection, thermal imaging, and visual inspections, to autonomously patrol and monitor key infrastructure within refinery grounds.
The rugged quadruped robot navigated stairs, grating, narrow walkways, and uneven terrain—areas often inaccessible or risky for humans. The system also operated day and night, with full remote teleoperation or autonomous waypoint capabilities, sending real-time alerts and data to plant personnel.
The Results
- Reduced human entry into high-risk zones, enhancing worker safety and compliance with OSHA standards.
- Decreased unplanned downtime through early detection of issues such as heat anomalies, leaks, and mechanical wear.
- Eliminated the need for daily manual inspection routes, saving many hours per month.
- Enabled continuous 24/7 monitoring and recording of industrial assets in extreme heat and corrosive environments without fatigue or hazard.
