Kuwait petrochemical major, the Equate Group has received its third international patent for a ‘Mobile Non-Destructive Testing Inspection’ robot invention that will boost safety, efficiency and quality during maintenance of its facilities.

 

The robotic solution, successfully patented with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO), was developed by a team of Equate engineers in collaboration with the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity (SACGC). 

 

While the invention demonstrates Equate’s commitment to innovation, and a continuous drive to foster a technological platform for human capital advancement, it allows for new levels of access to confined areas during maintenance inspections without human intervention, resulting in uncompromising safety and efficiency standards. Additionally, it contributes to sustainability by reducing plant downtime during turnaround projects as well as greenhouse gas emissions due to shorter maintenance and inspections. 

 

Committed to quality

Equate is committed to quality in its products, manufacturing, and human resources, adding value by overcoming obstacles and motivating continuous improvements in everything the company does.

 

Dr Salman Alajmi, Vice President for Technical Services at Equate Group, said: “Equate has always encouraged innovation to progress as a global organisation. The invention is a measurable improvement in the use of disruptive technology to support and advance maintenance. This robotic solution will not only keep employees safe, but also improve productivity levels, cost, and time efficiency for our company.” 

 

Dr Alajmi added: “On behalf of everyone in the Equate Group, I congratulate the team of engineers and every member who contributed to this success on the new invention.” 

 

Equate’s achievements align with Kuwait’s Global Innovation Index – an international framework followed by the country to improve its innovation landscape, and the Kuwait Vision 2035. It seeks to contribute to the manufacturing industry through innovations with the potential to play a strategic and operational role in propelling the industry forward.-- TradeArabia News Service