MHI Conducts Running Test of Explosion-Proof Plant Inspection Robot EX ROVR

TOKYO, June 10, 2019 - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has conducted a running test of the prototype EX ROVR, a plant inspection robot with explosion protection features to limit the danger of the robot itself igniting an explosion or fire from electric sparks or heat, even in areas with flammable gas. The test was conducted jointly with JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation at its Mizushima Refinery in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture.

During the test, the EX ROVR moved autonomously through several floors of the narrow plant building including navigating stairs, collected data from its various sensors, and managed continuous automated operation including charging at a docking station. The robot is still in development, but the test confirmed that it meets the requirements for basic functionality to conduct routine patrol inspections at JXTG Energy's plant, and handle emergency situations. MHI and JXTG Energy will thoroughly analyze the test results to further resolve issues, and make improvements.

MHI is developing the explosion-proof plant inspection robot based on its success with robotics technologies in such areas as support for nuclear plant accident containment. The EX ROVR has an explosion-proof design that complies with Japan's explosion-proof guidelines, as well as the ATEX and IECEx(1) explosion protection standards widely adopted in Europe and around the world, allowing it to be used safety in areas with an explosive gas atmosphere (Zone 1). MHI will conduct further tests and demonstrations in a range of plant environments in order to improve the check density and enhance safety, with the aim of commercialization.

MHI, by offering new solutions using explosion-proof robot technologies, will move forward with development to allow for greater plant safety and productivity.

(1) IECEx is an international system for certification of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. The quality assessment provisions are based on standards created by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The ATEX Directive, based on IECEx, stipulates the health and safety requirements, and conformity assessment procedures, that must be met in order to bring to the EU market equipment for use in explosive atmospheres, and protective systems. Both follow the same standards, so there is fundamentally no difference in terms of technical details.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial firms. For more than 130 years, we have channeled big thinking into solutions that move the world forward - advancing the lives of everyone who shares our planet. We deliver innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries, covering land, sea, sky and even space.

MHI Group employs 80,000 people across 400 locations, operating in three business domains: "Power Systems," "Industry & Infrastructure," "Aircraft, Defense & Space." We have a consolidated revenue of around 40 billion U.S. Dollars. We aim to contribute to environmental sustainability while achieving global growth, using our leading-edge technologies. By bringing people and ideas together as one, we continue to pave the way to a future of shared success.

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Last updated: Sep 25, 2019 at 06:39 pm CDT