Gecko Robotics, a specialist in robotics and industrial asset management software, has announced a three-year collaboration with energy development company Siemens Energy’s European field service organisation to perform ultrasonic robotic inspections in Europe.
Gecko aims to use inspections to support the maintenance of critical infrastructure and transform equipment installation processes.
Together, the two companies intend to develop new technologies and services to benefit industries including pulp and paper, power generation (conventional and renewable) and oil and gas.
“Over the past year, we’ve worked closely with experts from Siemens Energy to understand the value and impact that the collaboration of our companies can create for the European energy market,” said Ryan Herman, managing director of Gecko in Europe.
“It’s become clear that by coming together to serve these customers we can unlock new data insights and help achieve reliability and efficiency not previously possible.”
Siemens Energy’s European Field Service organisation and Gecko Robotics have reportedly already completed inspections across Europe in Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK.
To assist the partnership, Siemens Energy has established a new Product Competence Center in the Netherlands, with plans to expand the facility.
Gecko Robotics’ robots are remote controlled and equipped with ultrasonic transducers, localisation sensors, lasers and HD cameras. The bots are designed to climb vertically and horizontally, adhering magnetically to equipment types to scan for indicators of degradation.
The robots also utilise localisation technology, which can reportedly pinpoint exact locations on an asset, with Gecko Robotics suggesting that this supports accurate inspections that enable inspectors to examine corrosion trends over time, predict when failures will occur and estimate when repairs might be needed.
Gecko claims its software platform can produce a validated report of relevant data within 24 hours, with the company suggesting that this short turnaround can enable inspectors to reduce asset downtime and lost production.
By aligning with Siemens Energy’s European Field Service organisation, Gecko Robotics hopes to benefit from its local presence across Europe, access to local technical talent and new customers pools in the region.
Siemens Energy will be responsible for hiring and training local technicians and customer service personnel across Europe, whereas Gecko Robotics will be responsible for delivering technology.
