Backers hope they will prove a cheaper alternative to helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for tasks as varied as power and pipeline inspection, mapping, security, border surveillance, research, filming, fire fighting, search and rescue and delivering supplies.

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Our technologies and services include: surface and subsea drilling and production, monitoring and diagnostics, measurement and controls, large-scale LNG, pipeline compression and inspection, well site and industrial power generation, technologies for the refining and petrochemical industries, and modular CNG and LNG units for transportation sectors.

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Other robots in the pipeline include a manhole inspection and repair robots.

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The value from this pipeline alone should ensure inspection and care.

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The Cormorant Alpha platform and its pipeline infrastructure were shut down after the leak was found in one of its legs during a routine inspection at 09:40.

BBC: Cormorant Alpha