Key Takeaways
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Strategic Partnership: DJI and Shell have teamed up to innovate drone technology tailored for the energy sector, focusing on improving efficiency and safety.
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Advanced Testing Ground: The collaboration will leverage Shell’s expansive 2,300-acre Deer Park Refinery as a complex testing environment for aerial inspections and emergency responses.
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Innovative Solutions: The two companies aim to co-develop new features, including the AI Spot-Check, for enhanced inspection processes of critical infrastructure.
- Enhanced Safety: The partnership will contribute to elevating workplace safety protocols while reducing costs associated with inspections through the use of drone technology.
DJI and Shell Unite to Revolutionize Drone Technology
August 25, 2020 – DJI, a global leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, has announced an exciting collaboration with Shell Oil Company. This partnership marks a significant leap forward in the integration of drone technology within the energy industry. The initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency and bolster worker safety during critical industrial inspections and emergency incident responses at Shell’s Deer Park Manufacturing Complex in Texas.
“At Shell, we recognize the unique challenges posed by the intricacies of an industrial facility where infrastructure towers over 250 feet,” said Cynthia Huang, Director of Business Development at DJI. The collaboration with Shell offers DJI essential insights that will inform the development of cutting-edge drone capabilities. Among these innovations is the anticipated AI Spot-Check feature, designed to facilitate safer and more efficient inspections of vital infrastructure, a need expressed by both Shell and other forward-thinking companies in the energy sector.
A New Era of Drone Technology at Shell
Shell has long been at the forefront of harnessing drone technology, having initially adopted DJI drones in 2016. This early adoption aimed to mitigate the need for workers to operate at heights while simultaneously reducing the costs associated with routine inspections. Through this new strategic partnership, Shell will have the opportunity to work closely with DJI to refine and enhance drones such as the DJI Matrice 300 RTK. This advanced drone system allows for automated inspections of challenging-to-assess infrastructure components like flare tips and floating roof tanks, ultimately streamlining operations across the board.
John McClain, Chief Drone Pilot at Shell Deer Park, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “We are excited to collaborate with DJI as we continue to explore and integrate drone technology into our operations,” he remarked. This partnership promises to deliver groundbreaking advancements in drone technology, augmenting the safety and efficiency of Shell’s operations within the energy sector.
Showcasing Innovations at DJI AirWorks 2020
The announcement of this partnership came during DJI’s AirWorks 2020 Conference, a premier event dedicated to exploring the latest advancements in commercial drone technology. This venue serves as a platform for industry professionals to exchange innovative ideas and shape the future trajectory of the drone industry. Attendees are encouraged to visit DJI AirWorks for more insights on this partnership and the evolving opportunities surrounding drone technology.
As this collaboration unfolds, industry watchers keenly anticipate the positive impacts of DJI’s innovative drone solutions on Shell’s operational procedures, further establishing both companies at the vanguard of technological integration in the energy sector.
