In industries where equipment often operates in isolated or hazardous environments—similar to the conditions in space—lessons from space-based operations can inform the development of robust, autonomous systems that ensure safety and efficiency.
Eugene Spiropoulos from Yokogawa and Andrea Course from Shell highlighted these parallels in a panel at YNOW2024, emphasizing the role of advanced remote operations, cybersecurity and automation as crucial elements for both space and Earth-based industries. For example, technologies that streamline offshore oil operations share characteristics with space technology, such as resilience in harsh, inaccessible locations, which enhances their relevance for terrestrial applications.
Additionally, the discussion raised intriguing possibilities for technology transfer between space and earth-bound industries, focusing on how space innovations can address industrial automation challenges.
As noted, there is resistance to adopting autonomous technologies in established industries, often due to cultural inertia rather than technical feasibility. However, as Course and Wogbe Ofori discuss, advancements in space technology—driven by the need for reliability, autonomy, and data-centric operations—may pave the way for increased acceptance and innovation in factory automation.
To learn more, read the full article from partner publication Control, whose editors reported live from YNOW2024.
