Nouf Alsaad
Geophysicist
Aramco
Nouf is a Geophysicist at Aramco's EXPEC Advanced Research Center with a BSc in Geosciences from Penn State University. She develops seismic imaging and inversion techniques to characterize subsurface geology and study geophysical methods' impact on operations, with her research published at EAGE and IPTC. Her role includes managing development programs, strategy planning, and technology portfolios. She also served on Aramco's Young Leaders Advisory Board, advising on youth-related initiatives.
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Primary Energy Supply
Advances in Geoscience
Forum 05 | Digital Poster Plaza 1
30
April
10:00
12:00
UTC+3
The integration of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the field of geosciences, significantly enhancing the exploration and management of energy resources. This paper illustrates how robotics and AI are revolutionizing exploration, transitioning from conventional oil and gas to emerging energy resources, including geothermal, transition minerals, and innovative carbon management solutions. It will also highlight internally developed robotic technologies that enhance both efficiency and safety in exploration.
One notable technology is the GeoDrone, an advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) designed to collect and analyze 3D models of geological outcrops in hard-to-reach areas using digital twin capabilities. A recent field trial successfully demonstrated the GeoDrone’s ability to capture detailed models and images of a 150-meter escarpment in central Arabia, navigating complex terrains while ensuring safety from hazards. The high-resolution data showcased the effective imaging and spatial accuracy of advanced robotics and AI solutions in automated data collection and processing.
Alongside GeoDrone, the Autonomous Seismic Acquisition Device (ASAD) enhances seismic data collection with a fleet of UAVs equipped with advanced sensors. ASAD operates autonomously, utilizing robotic sensors that can position themselves to record seismic data. A recent pilot involving 16 ASADs successfully gathered data under real-world conditions in 45°C desert environments, demonstrating its autonomous functionality and effectiveness in challenging fields while also increasing safety by minimizing manual intervention.
Complementing ASAD in marine environments is SpiceRack, an innovative Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) designed to collect seismic data from the ocean floor efficiently. It is powered by two lithium-ion batteries that provide operational power for up to 70 continuous days. A recent deployment of 200 SpiceRack units demonstrated coordinated command and control as a swarm, ensuring consistent coupling and signaling. These vehicles successfully navigated to assigned locations, recorded seismic data, and returned to a collection point, showcasing improved navigation, positioning, and the application of AI techniques for managing multiple AUVs simultaneously.
These advancements not only improve data acquisition efficiency but also reduce operational costs compared to traditional methods. By enabling autonomous systems to navigate complex environments and scale operations, it becomes ideal for maximizing discovery and unlocking new frontiers. As the energy sector moves towards lower carbon footprints and increased digitalization, robotics and AI will continually expand the role of geosciences through multidisciplinary approaches in addressing current and future exploration challenges.
Co-author/s:
Abdulrahman Alshuhail, Manager of Geophysics Technology Division at EXPEC ARC, Aramco.
One notable technology is the GeoDrone, an advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) designed to collect and analyze 3D models of geological outcrops in hard-to-reach areas using digital twin capabilities. A recent field trial successfully demonstrated the GeoDrone’s ability to capture detailed models and images of a 150-meter escarpment in central Arabia, navigating complex terrains while ensuring safety from hazards. The high-resolution data showcased the effective imaging and spatial accuracy of advanced robotics and AI solutions in automated data collection and processing.
Alongside GeoDrone, the Autonomous Seismic Acquisition Device (ASAD) enhances seismic data collection with a fleet of UAVs equipped with advanced sensors. ASAD operates autonomously, utilizing robotic sensors that can position themselves to record seismic data. A recent pilot involving 16 ASADs successfully gathered data under real-world conditions in 45°C desert environments, demonstrating its autonomous functionality and effectiveness in challenging fields while also increasing safety by minimizing manual intervention.
Complementing ASAD in marine environments is SpiceRack, an innovative Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) designed to collect seismic data from the ocean floor efficiently. It is powered by two lithium-ion batteries that provide operational power for up to 70 continuous days. A recent deployment of 200 SpiceRack units demonstrated coordinated command and control as a swarm, ensuring consistent coupling and signaling. These vehicles successfully navigated to assigned locations, recorded seismic data, and returned to a collection point, showcasing improved navigation, positioning, and the application of AI techniques for managing multiple AUVs simultaneously.
These advancements not only improve data acquisition efficiency but also reduce operational costs compared to traditional methods. By enabling autonomous systems to navigate complex environments and scale operations, it becomes ideal for maximizing discovery and unlocking new frontiers. As the energy sector moves towards lower carbon footprints and increased digitalization, robotics and AI will continually expand the role of geosciences through multidisciplinary approaches in addressing current and future exploration challenges.
Co-author/s:
Abdulrahman Alshuhail, Manager of Geophysics Technology Division at EXPEC ARC, Aramco.
