On June 19, 2025, Yokogawa Electric Corporation, based in Tokyo, Japan, announced a significant partnership with Shell Global Solutions International B.V., headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in plant monitoring and maintenance, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and safety in various industries, particularly energy and chemicals.
The Partnership and Its Significance
Under this long-term agreement, Yokogawa plans to incorporate a sophisticated machine vision tool, known as the Operator Round by Exception (ORE), which was developed by Shell, into its OpreX™ Robot Management Core. This combination is expected to advance the application of robotics in the monitoring of industrial plants. The integrated software service will be made accessible to a wide array of customers, marking a substantial leap in the way maintenance tasks are approached.
ORE represents a digital solution that leverages machine vision and AI analytics to empower robots to take on various responsibilities during the operator round process. This includes tasks such as reading gauges and monitoring for potential leaks and equipment issues. The development of ORE is the culmination of a two-year collaborative effort within Shell, focusing on extracting value from machine vision while ensuring robust integrity management and a comprehensive approach to remote inspections and corrosion management.
OpreX Robot Management Core: A Revolution in Maintenance
Yokogawa’s OpreX Robot Management Core plays a crucial role in transforming maintenance practices. This software solution allows companies to effectively manage different types of robots that traditionally would have required human intervention. By connecting to a facility’s control and safety systems, the data gathered can streamline operations, facilitating instructions that lead toward fully autonomous plant functionalities. The additional capabilities provided by Shell’s ORE technology will expand the number of applicable use cases for customers utilizing the OpreX Robot Management Core.
Pilot Deployments and Future Directions
Looking ahead, Yokogawa’s robotics initiatives will be piloted at two Shell facilities to evaluate how robotics and drones can enhance efficiencies in plant operations, further demonstrating the commitment of both organizations to push the boundaries of technology in plant monitoring and maintenance.
This partnership represents a significant milestone for Yokogawa within the collaborative environment established by Shell at the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam, which was initiated in 2022 as a hub for partnerships between private corporations, government entities, academic institutions, and various societal organizations. In addition, Yokogawa and Shell have committed to aligning their research and development (R&D) efforts to refine and advance machine vision technology, ensuring ongoing innovation.
Addressing Workforce Challenges
Masaharu Maeda, Yokogawa Electric’s vice president and executive officer, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing its potential to tackle the workforce challenges faced by plant operators. The integration of advanced technology like ORE is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of maintenance routines while minimizing risks for personnel working on-site. Maeda highlighted the company’s aspiration to offer safer and more effective workplace innovations to industrial facility owners globally in the near future.
In a similar vein, Gerben de Jong, Chief Information Officer for Shell Integrated Gas, emphasized that this agreement marks an elevated level of collaboration between the two firms. By merging robotics solutions with AI, the potential for transformational improvements in both productivity and safety becomes a tangible reality.
Commitment to Innovation and Safety
As industries continue to evolve, the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and operational efficiencies grows. The collaboration between Yokogawa and Shell underlines both companies’ dedication to delivering innovative solutions that address these very challenges.
In conclusion, the partnership between Yokogawa Electric Corporation and Shell Global Solutions International B.V. signifies a transformative step toward the future of plant maintenance and monitoring. By integrating robotics and AI technology through the OpreX Robot Management Core and the ORE tool, both companies are not only poised to revolutionize the industry but also demonstrate a commitment to creating safer, more efficient work environments across the globe.
For ongoing updates and in-depth insights into this collaboration and its implications for the industry, you can follow developments on the respective websites of Yokogawa and Shell. The future of plant operations is being shaped today, and this partnership is set to lead the way.
