Carburos Metálicos and Keybotic automate inspection rounds

• Keyper, the robot-dog from Keybotic, will automate maintenance and security rounds at the Carburos Metálicos facilities in El Morell, forming an alliance that propels a pioneering project in an industrial chemical sector compound.

• Keybotic’s autonomous robotics enable Carburos Metálicos to enhance safety within its infrastructure, as well as to improve efficiency and accuracy of its inspections through predictive maintenance.

Keybotic, the startup that brings autonomous robotics to the industry for conducting maintenance and industrial inspections, has commenced operations at the Carburos Metálicos industrial plant in El Morell, Tarragona. Hence, Carburos Metálicos becomes the first company to incorporate Keybotic’s robotic technology into its facilities, marking a real-world implementation versus other projects that are still in the study phase.

Robotics & AI at the El Morell Plant

With an advanced system of artificial intelligence and autonomy, the quadruped robot Keyper, the size of a Labrador, will support security and maintenance teams due to its information processing capability that enables it to detect and anticipate anomalies. Consequently, it is anticipated that, through analysis using tools like cameras, microphones, and sensors, the ability for predictive actions that facilitate the normal functioning of the plant will increase. This robot unit, Keyper, can cover the 12,000 m2 extension of the El Morell plant.

Incident Detection and Alert

Since the beginning of this June, Keyper has been performing maintenance rounds at the Carburos Metálicos facilities to collect, register, and interpret all parameterizable data that might be significant for improving safety: thermographies, detection and reading of gauges and meters, sound analysis of engines and equipment, as well as conducting a 3D mapping of the entire environment. Thanks to its advanced autonomous navigation technology, winner of the 1st robotics prize at DARPA, the world’s most prestigious contest, and its predictive analysis capability, Keyper will be able to alert in real-time any potential incidents it detects in the production area during the maintenance rounds.

The terrain of the El Morell plant presents another challenge that Keyper overcomes, as the ground surface combines areas of grass, stones, asphalt, uneven levels, and stairs. Additionally, this production plant hosts the tanker truck fleet of Carburos Metálicos in Tarragona, thus coexisting and interacting with trucks moving within the plant.

Irene Gómez, co-founder and CEO of Keybotic, stated, “We are very pleased to undertake this collaboration with such an established and leading company as Carburos Metálicos.” Gómez continued, “This is just the beginning to demonstrate the significant contribution of autonomous robotics to the industry in terms of protection, efficiency, and productivity.“

The El Morell plant, which focuses its activity on the separation of air gases (oxygen, nitrogen, and argon), will benefit from Keybotic’s autonomous robotics, a technology capable of preventing leaks and anticipating potential incidents.

For Miquel López, General Manager of Carburos Metálicos, “With this pioneering initiative in the industry, we are anticipating the future. Keyper, the world’s most advanced robot of its kind, will allow us to enhance the capability to control the plant’s operational parameters and its direct application in safety and predictive maintenance. This is not only important for Carburos Metálicos but represents a significant advancement for the entire chemical sector.”

Advancing Towards a Safer and More Cutting-Edge Industry

This commitment by Carburos Metálicos to Keybotic’s cutting-edge technology is a first step for the industry in general, as it is a pioneering collaboration that stands out for its contribution to driving a more precise industry. Through this collaboration, which will extend for at least the next year, Carburos Metálicos demonstrates its commitment to safety and efficiency, in addition to its close relationship with technology and innovation, intrinsic elements in its DNA that position it at the forefront of the industrial sector.