Robotics, computer vision and artificial intelligence for the monitoring and decarbonisation of energy infrastructures
i-EM's role
Within CARES, i-EM contributed to the operational objectives on methane emission monitoring: defining flight scenarios and requirements for drone-based inspections, and leading the acquisition, processing and analysis of satellite data for methane detection and quantification, including the development of the related machine learning models. i-EM also supported the integration of data from ground robots, drones and satellites into the project's fleet management system.
Project outcome
The project was successfully completed on 3 July 2026, having fully achieved its objectives and technical targets for the entire duration, as formally declared in the final technical report submitted to the Tuscany Region. Over the course of the project, the consortium advanced the technology readiness level of the developed solutions from TRL5 to TRL7-8, validating the integrated system through field demonstrations in real industrial environments. Key outcomes include a working pipeline for satellite-based methane detection and quantification, a customised drone platform for industrial inspections, and the integration of ground robots, aerial systems and satellite data into a unified fleet management and monitoring system — laying the groundwork for safer, more efficient and more sustainable operations across energy infrastructures.
Dissemination
Results were shared with the scientific, industrial and institutional community through a workshop hosted by the University of Siena (February 2026) and a presentation at the official Sviluppo Toscana event held at Palazzo Strozzi Sacrati, Florence (March 2026).
Consortium
Nuovo Pignone (now Baker Hughes) · i-EM · Bluebiloba · University of Siena (DIISM)
FESR 2021-2027 - Azione 1.1.2 Ricerca, sviluppo e innovazione per l’attrazione investimenti CUP: 17200.24072024.063000033
Project details
Duration: 3 April 2025 – 3 July 2026
Funding programme: PR FESR Toscana 2021-2027, Action 1.1.2 “Research, development and innovation for investment attraction”
CUP: 17200.24072024.063000033
CUP CIPESS: D17H24009150009
COR: 24108948
