Leveraging Autonomous Moon-Based Rovers for Multiple, Near-Term Applications in Field Operations

Abstract

Lunar Outpost is an advanced technology startup specializing in the development of sophisticated robotic platforms for both space and terrestrial applications. Recognizing the need for automated site inspection and observation in industries such as upstream oil and gas, Lunar Outpost has developed the ‘Hound’ rover—a terrestrial robot designed for monitoring and gathering operational measurements of various field assets, including wellheads, flowlines, separators, tanks, pump stations, and pipelines. This paper describes the research and development efforts behind the Hound rover, focusing on the discovery of end-user requirements to effectively address industry pain points. The development process involved extensive stakeholder engagement, allowing for the identification of critical needs and challenges faced by the industry. The resulting platform was designed to meet these requirements and underwent rigorous verification and validation processes to ensure its capability and effectiveness.The research findings informed key decisions regarding prototyping, design, and the implementation of various features and capabilities. Each of these elements underwent thorough verification or validation, confirming their alignment with the original needs expressed by industry stakeholders. By addressing these needs, the Hound rover offers a comprehensive solution for autonomous monitoring and observation in the oil and gas industry.Furthermore, a comparative analysis was conducted to assess the advantages and disadvantages of implementing the Hound rover compared to existing operational procedures and other robotic platforms in use today. This analysis highlights the cost-effectiveness, improved visit frequency, enhanced observation capabilities, and strengthened regulatory compliance offered by the Hound rover. By replacing traditional site visits with autonomous systems, operators can achieve significant cost reductions, increase operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.The development of the Hound rover represents a transformative opportunity for the oil and gas industry. It addresses critical pain points, improves operational efficiency, and enhances worker safety. The findings and insights from this research have broader implications for the use of autonomous robotic platforms in various industries. Continued research and development efforts can further optimize these platforms and expand their applications, driving advancements in the field of robotics and automation.