As the landscape of technology in the energy industry continues to evolve and the demand for robotic systems and artificial intelligence in the work environment becomes more essential, the University of Houston’s Division of Energy and Innovation is helping shape the future workforce to meet those demands.
Joining forces with SPRINT Robotics, The division’s Subsea Systems Institute (SSI) presented a transformative two-day seminar exploring the future of robotics in the energy sector.
The first day highlighted industry engagement with keynote talks, demonstrations and presentations. On the second day, UH students and groups of Houston-area high school students got a closer look at robots and the vast opportunities in the robotics industry.
With 14 exhibitor booths – from Chevron, Exxon, ROSEN, NOV, Yokogawa, Pike Robotics, Houston Community College and others – on hand, attendees received first-hand experiences with robots as well as interactive exhibits with leading inspection and maintenance (I&M) robotics manufacturers.
“This robotics seminar offers students a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge innovations in robotics directly from industry leaders,” said Diana Gruber, director of research and development at NOV and a keynote speaker at the event. “Unlike traditional seminars, it bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real world application, making it an invaluable experience for students aspiring to enter the rapidly evolving field of robotics.”
The seminar also included a poster competition featuring innovative ideas and research conducted by emerging student leaders at UH and across the Houston area. Rice University doctoral student Issam Ben Moallem won with research centered on autonomous underwater vehicles, and University of Texas doctoral student Emmanuel Akita earned second place. A pair of Coogs – mechanical engineering doctoral students Himansu Shaw and Denizcan Koc – took third and fourth place, respectively.
Shaw presented on using smart touch A.I. with deep learning to detect flange bolt looseness, and Koc’s research focused on proton exchange membrane electrolysis and how it can be used for buoyancy-enabled depth and orientation control.
Fellow presenter Ryan Lewis, a graduate student studying electrical engineering in the Cullen College of Engineering, was able to present research exploring the detection of underwater structures using passive magnetic sensing.
“This was a very informative experience in sensing technologies,” Lewis said. “This event has allowed me to connect with a variety of different people in the industry and to be able to hear what their concerns are and what needs they have going into the future.”
SSI industry liaison John Allen said the workshop presented numerous exciting opportunities in a rapidly-growing field that individuals from any background can capitalize on.
“We want to encourage the next generation to think deeper about the skillsets needed in this industry,” Allen said. “Our goal is giving students visibility of how many different skillsets are here and what careers can you do with them. You don’t have to be just an engineer. You could be a lawyer, finance or even a business person. That’s what makes an enterprise.”