A recent study by Gecko Robotics, a provider of robotics and AI-powered software for infrastructure health, in collaboration with Rho Impact, an impact analytics firm, has uncovered significant environmental benefits of digitizing critical infrastructure. The research indicates that the effective use of robotics and AI could lead to a reduction of 853 million metric tons (MMT) of CO2 emissions annually, amounting to 18% of U.S. CO2 emissions. This reduction is equivalent to removing 64% of gas-powered vehicles from U.S. roads.
The study, which spans various industries, highlights the potential of detailed data regarding the health of vital physical infrastructure. By 2030, the following CO2 reductions could be achieved through robotics-enabled digitization:
- Oil and Gas Pipelines: 556 MMT CO2
- Baseload Power Plant Reliability: 230 MMT CO2
- Pulp & Paper Manufacturing: 46 MMT CO2
- Maritime Transportation: 11 MMT CO2
- Bridge Inspection & Maintenance: 10 MMT CO2
Jake Loosararian, CEO and co-founder of Gecko Robotics, emphasized the transformative potential of the findings. "These data represent a significant shift in achieving net-zero targets and advancing Industry 4.0. It's crucial that our existing infrastructure rapidly adopts technology and that renewable strategies avoid past infrastructural shortcomings," Loosararian stated.
The research underscores the critical role of robotics, sensors, and digitization in enhancing industrial efficiencies, reducing waste, and minimizing the manufacturing sector's carbon footprint.
Gilman Callsen, CEO of Rho Impact, commented on the need for ongoing innovation in data collection about the built world. "This study demonstrates the vast potential of deploying scalable technologies that are currently available to improve the sustainability of existing infrastructure," Callsen said.
Key Findings:
- Fugitive Emissions: Addressing leaks and corrosion in the oil and gas sector could reduce emissions by 556 MMT CO2e annually by 2030. This includes a 37% emissions efficiency improvement through decreased release of greenhouse gases like methane.
- Reducing Forced Outages: The digitization of boiler tubes in energy generation could lead to a 230 MMT CO2 reduction per year by maintaining efficient baseload generation and reducing reliance on inefficient backup generation.
- Monitoring for Efficiency: In the pulp and paper industry, routine inspection and maintenance facilitated by digitization could result in an annual emissions reduction of 46 MMT CO2e by 2030.
- Optimizing Maritime Transport: Digitization in maritime shipping could avoid 11 MMT of CO2 emissions annually by 2030 through load optimization and leak detection.
Rho Impact CSO, Seth Sheldon, PhD, added, "Our study found that robotic technologies could significantly decrease stationary maintenance time for large ships, leading to substantial annual emissions reductions in global maritime shipping."
The full details of the research findings are available at Gecko Robotics' website, providing deeper insights into the environmental impact of digitizing critical infrastructure.
This study provides a critical understanding of the environmental implications of advanced technology deployment in infrastructure and offers a promising outlook for the future of sustainable industrial practices.
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