Robotics testing facility opens in the Netherlands
12/07/2019
Quasset Test Facility (QTF) has opened in the Netherlands to facilitate the experimentation and validation of robotic solutions for inspection and maintenance. The 600 m2 testing facility offers a highly flexible and controlled environment, housing a range of decommissioned assets that serve to test crawling, flying and swimming robotic systems.As an independent facility, QTF provides third-party assessments of technology for robotic and inspection systems. From start-ups to leading oil & gas companies, service providers have the opportunity to work in consultation with QTF’s specialist robotics staff. QTF is an initiative of Quasset, a privately-owned Dutch company that provides modern asset management solutions for managing capital-intensive infrastructure. Through the company’s own innovation initiatives and domain knowledge, Quasset is uniquely positioned to support the innovation process of robotics from concept to solution.
Dr Timothy Black, Quasset CTO, has been tapped to lead the new testing facility. Active in robotics for almost 20 years, Dr Black has extensive expertise in oil & gas innovation projects and has been a part of various joint industry and EU projects in the NDT and robotics field.
Dr Black commented: “Robotic and sensor technology are evolving at a very rapid rate. Quasset Test Facility offers a place to test in a safe setting, which is close to a real-world industrial setting. This facility bridges the gap between the laboratory environment and the on-site industrial facilities and enables concepts to be validated against close to realistic situations. We design specialised tests and validation programmes, which tie into relevant business drivers, helping companies assess the readiness and potential application of the technology; an example is our validation programmes for robotic inspection technology.
“We would be interested to hear from companies throughout the value chain, from technology start-ups to major oil & gas companies, to see how QTF can facilitate the progress of technology for the petrochemical industry.”
QTF is based in Huizen, which is conveniently located in the vicinity of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The facility features a 7 m × 4 m water basin, suitable for testing swimming and submerged robotics systems. A decommissioned pressure vessel, piping and elbows and tank floor plates, which serve as a valuable source for real-world testing and experimention, are also on site. The ceiling height at QTF is 7 m, providing ample space for testing indoor drones. In addition to robotic testing and validation, service providers can utilise QTF for operator qualifications as well as testing workflows and operational processes. QTF includes an elevated and enclosed office, kitchen and conference space that faces the facility. This is ideal for full visibility during trials in a safe and controlled environment.
https://quasset.com
