Yokogawa and Shell Partner on Robotics and AI for Plant Maintenance

June 27, 2025 - Yokogawa Electric Corporation has formalized a long-term agreement with Shell Global Solutions International B.V. to integrate and further develop technologies for utilizing robots and drones in plant monitoring and maintenance. Under this agreement, Yokogawa will incorporate an advanced machine vision tool called Operator Round by Exception (ORE), developed by Shell, into its OpreX Robot Management Core.

ORE is a digital solution that leverages machine vision and AI analytics to enable robots to autonomously perform tasks such as reading gauges, checking for leaks, and identifying machinery issues. This technology is the result of a two-year collaborative effort within Shell, combining machine vision strategies with deep capabilities in integrity management, remote site inspection, and corrosion management.

OpreX Robot Management Core is a key product in Yokogawa’s robot solutions. The software helps customers maintain their facilities more safely and efficiently by integrating the management of various robots that perform plant maintenance tasks. When connected to a plant’s control and safety systems, the data acquired can be used to issue instructions to robots, facilitating the first step toward autonomous plant operations. The addition of Shell’s ORE technology will significantly expand the range of use cases available to customers through OpreX Robot Management Core.

Moving forward, Yokogawa robotics operations will be deployed at two Shell facilities as a pilot to demonstrate how robotics and drones can enhance plant monitoring and maintenance. This collaboration marks the first key milestone for Yokogawa and Shell at the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam. Created by Shell in 2022, this campus provides a platform for collaboration between companies, societal organizations, governments, and universities to develop future energy solutions. Shell and Yokogawa have also agreed to collaborate on an aligned R&D roadmap to further develop and enhance the machine vision technology, ensuring continuous innovation and improvement.

Masaharu Maeda, Yokogawa Electric’s vice president, executive officer, and head of the company’s Solutions Business Division, stated, “We are very excited to be working with Shell on this key technology field that promises to address workforce challenges facing plant owners by significantly improving the efficiency of rounds in the field, while also reducing the inherent risk to operators. We look forward to making it available to industrial facility owners globally in the near future and contributing to safer and more efficient workplaces.”

“Shell & Yokogawa have a proud history of developing together to enable advanced automation solutions for our sites. With this agreement, we are taking our relationship to the next level. Robotics solutions combined with AI provide the potential to create a step change in productivity and safety,” said Gerben de Jong, CIO for Shell Integrated Gas, Upstream and Projects & Technology.

Yokogawa provides advanced solutions in measurement, control, and information to customers across a broad range of industries, including energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. Yokogawa addresses customer issues regarding the optimization of production, assets, and the supply chain with the effective application of digital technologies, enabling the transition to autonomous operations. Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa continues to work toward a sustainable society through its 17,000+ employees in a global network of 128 companies spanning 62 countries.