Chevron begins utilizing drones for autonomous monitoring of Permian Basin facilities

Business
Webp drone
View of a Percepto system. | Percepto

An Austin-based company specializing in drone technology has announced that it has surpassed a significant operational efficiency milestone.

According to a news release, Percepto and Chevron initiated a drone test case in the Midland area to assess the impact of AI-driven autonomous observation on Chevron's facility management. The test indicated that this technology reduces the time field teams spend traveling, allowing personnel to concentrate on core company activities.

The project demonstrated improved operational performance without increasing workload, as said in the news release. Furthermore, the use of drones showed potential for quicker issue detection with higher resolution, pinpointing the origin of problems. During the test run, Chevron reportedly saved hours of work and increased monitoring frequency at remote sites.

"With advanced technology, we can take a more proactive approach to managing our operations," said Kerri Harvey, Chevron's Midland Basin Operations Superintendent. "This enables us to make smarter decisions and remain aligned with our focus on producing energy responsibly." Harvey added that automation allows teams to spend less time traveling and focus more on high-priority tasks.