Join the South Texas Section for our monthly dinner meeting, which will include a demonstration of the Boston Dynamics SPOT robot! The event will be held at Kiewit Corporation Energy Center 1 Bldg, Rm 0108 - 585 N. Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77079 (map). Parking is complimentary. Exit either Dairy Ashford from the east or Eldridge from the west. Visitor Parking is on Level 1.
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5:00PM - 6:00PM Workshop Presentations: SPOT and Drone Demo
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Introduction to Kiewit, our meeting sponsor
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6:00PM - 7:00PM Dinner - heavy appetizers and demos continue
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7:00PM - 7:15PM Section Announcements
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7:15PM - 8:15PM Keynote Presentation
Workshop #1
Topic
Digital Reality Ecosystem (DRE) - Moving To A More Visual Way Of Working
Abstract
As the oil and gas industry embraces digital transformation, the convergence of digital twins, robotics, and immersive technologies is reshaping how we design, build, and operate facilities. This presentation explores the foundational ecosystem required to enable this transformation—one built on modular information systems, open integration, platform-agnostic architectures, and adherence to industry standards.
About the Speaker
Ivan is pushing ExxonMobil’s digital transformation in Global Projects. With 25+ years in oil and gas—from field execution to global innovation leadership—he’s led the integration and experiment of AI, ML, robotics, and immersive tech to deliver value across major capital projects. The Digital Reality Ecosystem (DRE), platform-agnostic solutions with business strategy. He’s known for turning breakthrough ideas into scalable solutions, forging partnerships with tech leaders and consortiums to shape the future. Awarded for industry innovation, blends deep technical expertise with strategic vision—bringing people, tools, and technologies together to redefine how facilities are designed, built, and operated. Worked with ExxonMobil since 2009, also worked for SNC-Lavalin, Bechtel, GDS Engineers, and Brown & Root.
Workshop #2
Topic
Use of Robotics for Industrial Inspection of Equipment
Abstract
Join us for a live demonstration of Spot, the agile quadruped robot from Boston Dynamics, deployed for autonomous inspection, leak detection, and safety monitoring across complex industrial environments. Integrated with advanced sensors like the FLIR MUVE C360 gas detector, SV600 acoustic imager, and thermal payloads, Spot can autonomously patrol facilities, identify anomalies, and reduce human exposure to hazardous conditions. This session will showcase Spot's role in modernizing inspection routines for energy and petrochemical industries, with a special focus on its application at ExxonMobil. We’ll cover real-world use cases, live operation examples, and how robotics can transform maintenance workflows, emergency response, and compliance in the field.
About the Speaker
Chance Kirkpatrick is a Unmanned Technical Support Specialist at MFE Inspection Solutions with a background in advanced robotics integration and gas detection technologies. With hands-on experience deploying autonomous solutions in oil and gas, petrochemical, and industrial sectors, Chance has led numerous field demonstrations and proof-of-concept deployments across the U.S. He specializes in real-time gas monitoring using robotic platforms such as Boston Dynamics Spot integrated with payloads like the FLIR MUVE C360 and SV600 ultrasonic leak detection systems. His work focuses on driving safety, efficiency, and automation in hazardous environments through cutting-edge robotics.
Keynote Presentation
Topic
Robotics in the AI Era
Abstract
Spurred by advances over the last sixty years, robots are no longer confined to factories; they are increasingly integrated into human environments, collaborating closely with people on a diverse range of tasks. As these systems evolve to tackle even more complex roles, a multitude of theoretical and practical challenges arise to ensure their reliability and performance. This talk will delve into the intricacies of developing human-centered robotic systems amidst the explosion of AI.
About the Speaker
Prof. Lydia E. Kavraki is the Kenneth and Audrey Kennedy Professor of Computing and professor of Computer Science and Bioengineering at Rice University. She is also the Director of the Ken Kennedy Institute for AI and Computing. Kavraki’s research develops the AI and the algorithmics needed to connect the digital to the physical world. She has two main areas of application for her research. In robotics, she develops methodologies for motion planning, machine learning methods for reasoning under uncertainty, and multi-modal frameworks to instruct robots and collaborate with them. In computational biomedicine, she develops AI methods for understanding biomolecular interactions and aiding the design of new therapeutics.
Kavraki is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is the recipient of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Pioneer Award and the IEEE Frances E. Allen Medal.
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