Artificial Intelligence Engineering
In the 1980’s, I was utilizing AI to support safe drilling operations within the ice-infested waters of the Arctic. I relied upon airborne radar imagery, satellite transponders, accelerometers, pressure panels, met stations and statistical models to calculate the time window available for irreversible drilling operations in the face of threatening ice conditions. The decision to suspend drilling and evacuate a structure was based on the AI tools my team and I developed.
I then relied on AI for the design of defense and satellite systems to survive environmental and anthropogenic threats. My teams utilized remote sensing, rapid-fire site investigation tools and geographic information systems to characterize large expanses of the continental US and Canada. We then employed AI tools, (such as multiple-attribute utility functions) to engage subject matter experts and prepare computer algorithms that made routing decisions for mobile equipment. We developed factors to account for equipment mobility in variable of micro-climate, road and soil conditions. Finally, we utilized AI to identify the location of critical external threats and design preventative or reactive strategies. We developed driver-less GIS tools for equipment navigation that will soon become commercially viable.
After the turn of the millenium, I took this experience to Aquen, where we developed AI tools for the construction and operations of modular, mobile, water and waste processing systems.
To help field operators, 3D scans to produce accurate as-builts linked to centralized databases containing equipment purchase and maintenance histories. Our customers utilized these models to improve safety and reduce cost by analyzing the purchase, maintenance and operations history for critical components. 3D models were linked to design drawings, revisions, purchase orders and installation records to offer fingertip access to information.
To improve safety, we created 3D interactive as-builts and models for training new and replacement staff on critical hazards before anyone set foot on a site. Hand-held units deployed during staff orientation allowed trainers to turn a static walk-through into an interactive, real-time training experience. Forensic analysis of incidents has shown that a significant percentage of work-place accidents occur because of a lack of awareness of high-energy threats within the vicinity of often inexperienced personnel. Our AI tools were designed to red-flag these threats long before the staff entered the red zone or detected visual clues.
To reduce costs, we provided operations, office and remote experts real time access to information and documents needed to trouble-shoot field problems. By making equipment databases accessible by satellite constellations, intelligent 3-D models were made available on-line on a 24-7 basis. Troublesome calls from frustrated field operators were replaced by informed, on-call support from subject matter experts around the globe.
Finally, we built a database of thousands of 3-D components that supported design-build-operate delivery. Equipment designers produced 3-D models in parallel with process engineers early during design development by linking 3D parts to process & instrumentation diagrams. Layout specialists created interactive models allowed fabricators and operators to walk through long before long-lead items irreversibly locked down designs. Operators led 3d walk-throughs within days of a project being sanctioned to validate equipment selection, placement, ergonomics and maintenance decisions. Our 3D designs were even animated to simulate challenging maintenance and replacement functions and refine our designs.
We’ve applied AI in our work for decades on military and aerospace applications. We used them to accelerate and economize on modular and mobile equipment designs.
Aquen relies on AI to support design, build, operate and maintain water, wastewater and waste processing systems.