Square Robot, a Boston, US company specialising in inspection robots for aboveground storage tanks, along with subsidiary Veritank, has signed a global inspection services agreement with ExxonMobil,
In the initial phase of the deal, Square Robot will deploy and develop in-service robotic inspection services for tanks belonging to Exxon Mobil and its affiliates in the US, UK, Europe and the Far East. Its in-service inspections minimise chemical and vapour releases, whilst maintaining tank operations.
ExxonMobil will support Square Robot’s next generation robot development programme. David Lamont, Square Robot CEO, says that the support will help to accelerate the technology to full operational capacity, providing safety and economic benefits. Square Robot expects to carry out the first field trials later in 2021.,
‘Square Robot is honoured to partner with ExxonMobil as it looks to benefit from our robotic services across its global tank inventory. With tank integrity and storage a major issue across all industries, especially in a time of cautious commodity pricing, our solution dramatically reduces the costs of inspection and intervention with no compromise on data or information quality,’ says Lamont.
Tim Westhoven, ExxonMobil Technology Scouting and Ventures Senior Advisor adds: ‘Square Robot in-service tank inspection technology improves safety for our personnel, provides the data we need to manage our assets, and saves on operating costs. Square Robot’s next generation of robotic technology will allow deployment to more of our tankage assets, further supporting our commitment to efficiency and operations excellence.’
