Industry 4.0 is driven by advanced technology and the capability to create technology and innovation for the manufacturing sector. Though the paradigm is crucial in propelling economic prosperity, the commercialization process of research requires resources, knowledge and understanding in the manufacturing sector’s preferences aside from testing fields and advanced equipment. Only when all prerequisites are in place will the specified needs be addressed.
Drill cuttings from petroleum exploration and production activities are turned to materials for road and sidewalk pavement
To create the capability, PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP) establishes PTTEP Technology and Innovation Center (PTIC) on a 44-rai land plot at the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi), at Wang Chan Valley, Rayong. PTIC specifically serves the commercialization of research, in support of the quest to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness.
PTIC plays a vital role in promoting the research and technology developed by PTTEP and partners. These include the technology in petroleum exploration, development and production; Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) such as the development of carbon nanotubes from carbon dioxide to produce battery, sensor or electronic device components; and the recycling of waste to valuable materials such as the upcycling of drill cuttings from petroleum exploration and production process into construction materials for road and sidewalk pavement. The pavement technology is put into use at PTTEP’s facilities. These technologies create new value while concurrently reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Test Field
At PTIC, the research and development are earmarked to invent not only E&P technology but also the technology that promotes the enhancement of efficiency and safety of other business activities. Under its radar includes artificial intelligence and robotics, with AI and Robotics Ventures Company Limited (ARV) – a PTTEP subsidiary – playing the leading role. The achievements in this area range from robotic technologies for subsea inspection, repair and maintenance, inspection drone with AI-enabled platform and smart agricultural drones to medical technology. PTIC also supports the development of technology for the future concerning Smart Facility/City Technology and future energy. The Green Innovation Playground for the testing of clean energy technology is located within PTIC’s compound. The playground harnesses solar energy from the rooftop and is the place where the Green Power Storage technology is being developed, along with the Solar Air Purifier Tower, and Solar Road that generates power from solar panels installed on road surfaces.
Quadrupedal Inspection Robot (LAIKA) capable of navigating complex terrains with multiple levels of stairs and Autonomous Mobile Manipulator Robot capable of both teleoperation and autonomous missions aboard offshore wellhead platform
Aside from R&D on technology and innovation, PTIC takes on another significant role to develop top technology personnel, by offering a stage where researchers and experts exchange knowledge and build world-class research networks. The center is expected to continually extend knowledge and drive technology development.
PTIC is equipped with advanced facilities and equipment, to serve researchers’ assessment of their work, amendments and testing prior to the development of prototypes. These are the Pilot Area Building; UAV Test Field; a helipad; Exploration and Production Research Facility; Training Center; exhibition space; Smart Facility/City Technology Research Facility; Medical Technology Research Facility; Future Energy Technology Research Center; and Joint Industry Collaboration Center that promotes R&D in collaboration with the participants of EECi ecosystem that includes ARV, PTT, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), government agencies, private organizations, SMEs and startups. In quest for future technology, partners are encouraged to make full use of PTIC’s facilities and equipment.
Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube
Developed in 3 phases, PTIC is under the 2nd Phase development that involves test fields and infrastructure, to support the transfer of lab-based R&D to prototype development and actual deployment.
PTIC is both a test field for innovative research ideas and a training ground for technologists who seeking innovations that address the need of the manufacturing sector today and tomorrow. These collaborative efforts to create innovations for the Industry 4.0 era will enhance Thailand’s competitiveness and economic strength.