The offshore sector is booming and drone manufacturers are keen to get in on the act. Although much of the debate regarding the use of ROVs and AUVs in the offshore sector has focused on subsea solutions, there is plenty of scope to incorporate automated systems into other areas of the project chain, from aerial surveillance to onboard hazardous gas detection. Advances in robotics have seen drones become smarter, more versatile and cheaper than was the case a decade ago, and, given the current shortfall of qualified offshore engineers, these systems have the potential to plug critical manpower gaps and enhance safety management plans.
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