Chevron Places Order for American Robotics’ Automated Drones
WALTHAM, MA – January 26, 2022 — In a significant leap towards automation in the oil and gas sector, Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS) announced that its subsidiary, American Robotics, has secured a purchase order from Chevron for its cutting-edge, fully autonomous drones known as the Scout Systems. This order marks American Robotics’ second major collaboration with a Fortune 100 company in the oil and gas industry, signaling the growing demand for innovative technological solutions in a traditionally labor-intensive field.
Revolutionizing Oil and Gas Operations
“The oil and gas industry is primed to benefit from recent advancements in autonomous drone technology,” stated Reese Mozer, CEO and co-founder of American Robotics. Historically, the sector has relied on human operators to manually fly drones and convert the data collected into actionable insights. This cumbersome process not only increased operational costs but also limited the frequency and volume of inspections.
With the Scout System, American Robotics offers a transformative solution that dramatically enhances efficiency. “We are providing the oil and gas industry with a dramatically more efficient and effective way to manage, monitor, and inspect their assets,” said Mozer. The technology enables asset managers to utilize analytics that were previously deemed impractical due to high operational costs, allowing for real-time decision-making that can propel business growth.
Enhanced Safety and Efficiency
Working in the oil and gas sector presents numerous challenges, including labor intensity, time consumption, and safety concerns. With millions of acres of assets requiring constant monitoring for oil leaks, methane emissions, and equipment damage, traditional inspection methods can be both costly and dangerous.
Unlike conventional methods that necessitate the presence of a pilot or visual observer, American Robotics’ Scout System is designed for autonomy. The drones can conduct up to 20 inspections daily, significantly reducing the labor required and lowering the risk to human workers. This automation not only enhances safety but also improves the accuracy and frequency of inspections—a crucial factor for compliance with environmental regulations.
Meeting Environmental Regulations
The adoption of autonomous drones aligns with recent mandates aimed at addressing environmental challenges. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Air Act rule aims to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030, illustrating the urgent need for consistent monitoring of methane and other greenhouse gases in the oil and gas sector. The integration of drone technology facilitates high-frequency inspections that are essential for compliance with such regulations, making it a valuable asset for companies that must meet these evolving standards.
As the industry continues to evolve, experts predict a substantial increase in spending on digital transformations, with projections reaching $15.6 billion by the end of the decade. This investment in technology underscores a shift towards more sustainable operations and enhanced operational efficiencies.
The Scout System: A Technological Marvel
American Robotics’ Scout System is marketed as a “drone-in-a-box” solution under a Robot-as-a-Service (RAAS) business model. This model not only streamlines operations but also allows for continuous, remote monitoring—freeing companies from the constraints of traditional data collection methods. The Scout System is notably significant as it is the first drone to receive FAA approval for automated operation beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) without the need for a human operator onsite.
This level of automation represents not just a technological advancement but a paradigm shift in how data is collected and utilized in industrial settings. Companies can leverage this innovative solution to gain a clearer picture of their operations and make informed decisions that drive efficiency.
About Ondas Holdings Inc.
Ondas Holdings Inc. serves as a leader in private wireless data and drone solutions through its subsidiaries, including American Robotics. The company is not only dedicated to developing proprietary wireless broadband technology but also focuses on providing mission-critical IoT applications across various sectors, including railroads, utilities, and government entities.
The capabilities offered by Ondas Networks, particularly through its multi-patented, software-defined radio FullMAX platform, address the bandwidth challenges faced by legacy private wireless networks. This commitment to innovation positions Ondas Holdings as a key player in the future of autonomous operations.
For additional insights into the journey of American Robotics and the capabilities of the Scout System drone, interested readers can visit American Robotics.
Media Contact Information
For those seeking further information or media inquiries, please reach out to:
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Derek Reisfield, President and CFO
Ondas Holdings Inc.
888.350.9994 x1019
ir@ondas.com -
Chelsea Higgins
BIGfish Communications for American Robotics
americanrobotics@bigfishpr.com
617.713.3800
As the oil and gas industry embraces the future of drone technology, American Robotics and its Scout Systems are poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and compliance.
This engaging article provides a comprehensive overview of American Robotics’ innovations and their implications for the oil and gas sector, highlighting the benefits of automation and the future of drone technology in industrial applications.