In mid-2024, GEV O&M initiated a groundbreaking test with an autonomous robot from the company ANYbotics at a power plant in Israel. This innovative robot was programmed to perform various autonomous missions within the plant, including capturing 4K images, recording sounds, and taking thermographic pictures. Additionally, it can detect gas leakages during its walkdowns, thereby enhancing safety for the power plant personnel.
During the test phase, the robot successfully navigated the power plant autonomously using a pre-defined 3D map. It demonstrated the ability to execute the autonomous missions and to adapt its route in response to unexpected blockages within designated areas. All findings from the robot’s rounds were transmitted to the O&M shift lead engineer, enabling prompt action on any issues detected. Special focus was placed on the early detection of failures in critical equipment such as step-up transformers and medium voltage pumps.
The implementation of this robot was spearheaded by the GEV Global O&M Support team, with significant contributions from the GEV IT team to ensure compliance from an IT perspective. The O&M site team received comprehensive training on the robot’s software and operation, allowing them to set up and enhance missions within the power plant and expand its use from one unit to the entire facility.
Additionally, the robot accessed a high-risk area susceptible to steam leakage and took various thermographic pictures during its walkdown to assess the critical area. This significantly reduced the exposure of O&M personnel to this potential hazard.
Based on the outstanding test results, the GEV O&M business will add the autonomous robot to its differentiation strategy including this added value services to future contracts and in selected current contracts. This new differentiation services will place the GEV O&M services one step ahead of competitors towards early failure detection and overall power plant optimization.
Currently, GEV O&M Support is working with the GEV Digital team to integrate robot data into GEV Asset Performance Management (APM). The next step is to collaborate as well with the GEV New Unit teams to adapt our future plants for autonomous robot integration and adaption.
