Chevron Leverages Robotics to Boost Operations Efficiency
Chevron Corporation is leveraging robotics to enhance its global operations and improve safety, efficiency, and data quality. The company's efforts involve deploying robots and remotely operated tools for tasks such as tank inspections, cleaning, plant walkabouts, and remote monitoring.
Relying on these technologies reduces the need for employees to enter confined or hazardous areas, thereby minimizing risks. Chevron has seen significant benefits from its robotics initiatives, including over $92 million in savings and more than 143,000 at-risk hours eliminated since 2024.
The company's use of robotics extends beyond tanks, with drones employed for visual and thermal inspections as well as emissions detection. Chevron is also developing autonomous 'drone-in-a-box' systems to reduce field visits.
Chevron's adoption of robotics is not unique in the energy sector. Shell plc and TotalEnergies are also exploring the use of autonomous systems to improve inspection work, reduce human exposure to hazardous environments, and strengthen operational monitoring.