Robots To Control Oil Drilling Platforms 96
Roland Piquepaille writes "In 2015, and if everything goes well, oil drilling platforms located offshore Norway will be controlled by robots. Even today, these platforms don't use many people. But the idea behind the new platform concept is to install large modular process sections in unmanned areas to allow access by one or more robotic manipulators. In a few years, operators should be able to remain on land and to remotely control the oil drilling platforms. Obviously, this should reduce risks and costs. Tests have already started in a new laboratory in Trondheim. According to the plans, the researchers have 8 years in front of them to deliver the robotic tools able to control these very expensive platforms. But read more for additional references and pictures."
Reduce risks? Kinda sorta. (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Peak oil (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:And what about... (Score:4, Insightful)
Either way, I'm about as scared of terrorists as I am of the roving angry bands of pedophiles that roam the countryside. There's no global conspiracy; every single terrorists attack has had very real and very local causes. In my humble opinion the 'too much generalization is as dangerous as too little' proverb is as apt for understanding society as it is for programming.
Re:Why are frieghters still manned? (Score:3, Insightful)
And that nobody forces them to do it, Right?
Making their job illegal would only piss them and make some silly holier-than-thou people more happy because the world would be a better place (tm)
And while you're at it, why not forbid people making other dangerous things, like... you know being cops or soldiers.
Re:And what about... (Score:1, Insightful)
Re:Why are frieghters still manned? (Score:3, Insightful)