and affordable for advancing aviation’s
decarbonization,” said Lars Bjørn Larsen,
CCO of Norsk e-Fuel. “Boeing’s invest-
ment will further accelerate our project
pipeline and will facilitate the broader
aviation industry’s transition to net-zero
emissions.”
The strategic partnership combines
Boeing’s SAF industry leadership and
fuels expertise with Norsk e-Fuel’s tech-
nology know-how and strong network of
partners, including Norway’s largest air
carrier, Norwegian.
“We look forward to leveraging
Boeing’s expertise and experience in
the development and growth of this
pioneering industry,” said Geir Karlsen,
CEO of Norwegian. “This investment also
reinforces the need for a supportive policy
environment to fully realize the potential of
e-fuels production in Norway, in line with
the Norwegian parliament’s call.”
Founded in 2019, Norsk e-Fuel is
driving the transition to renewable avia-
tion by establishing the industrial produc-
tion of sustainable fuels based on CO2
and water. As a project developer, the
company is building large-scale produc-
tion sites to supply synthetic fuels to the
aviation industry. Supported by strategic
investors, Norsk e-Fuel is bringing PtL
production to an industrial scale and
developing a new value chain for sustain-
able fuels.
DEEP ROBOTICS’ X30
ROBOT DOG PIONEERS
SMART INSPECTION IN
SINGAPORE POWER
CABLE TUNNEL
DEEP Robotics, a leading Chinese
developer of quadrupedal robotics,
has reached a major milestone with the
deployment of its industrial-grade quad-
ruped robot, the X30.
Nicknamed “SPock” within Singapore’s
SP Group, the robot is now operational
in the country’s extensive underground
power transmission cable network,
marking it the first Chinese quadruped
robot deployed in an overseas power
system.
The partnership with SP Group marks
a significant step in DEEP Robotics’
global expansion and highlights the
growing role of emerging technologies
such as robotics and digitization in infra-
structure maintenance.
SPock, adapted from the X30 model,
has been patrolling sections of a 40 km
underground power transmission tunnel
as part of a pilot project designed to
ensure the security of Singapore’s elec-
tricity supply.
Equipped with high-resolution
cameras, thermal imaging sensors,
and advanced perception algorithms,
the robot autonomously navigates the
tunnels, screening for defects such as
cracks, water seepage, and other anom-
alies. It generates real-time reports at the
end of each inspection, allowing mainte-
nance staff to prioritize repairs and miti-
gate risks effectively.
SPock’s capabilities extend beyond
routine inspections. It also serves as a
first responder during emergencies,
assessing situations and providing real-
time updates without requiring human
entry into potentially hazardous zones.
This innovation not only enhances safety
but also significantly reduces operational
costs, enabling frontline inspectors to
focus on critical data analysis and repairs.
Following the success of the pilot, SP
Group plans to deploy SPock on a wider
scale. This initiative is expected to save
480 hours of manual inspection annually.
Deploying SPock in Singapore
required DEEP Robotics to address
unique challenges posed by the local
environment. Unlike China’s power infra-
structure, Singapore’s underground
tunnels have different layouts and cable
placements, necessitating customized
solutions.
“We had to adjust SPock’s sensors,
algorithms, and navigation logic to adapt
to Singapore’s specific requirements,”
said Hank Cheng, Senior Sales Manager
at Deep Robotics. The team conducted
extensive safety assessments and refined
SPock’s software over several months to
ensure optimal performance.
Beyond transforming cable tunnel
inspections, SPock’s deployment has
fostered a collaborative environment
within SP Group. Rather than replacing
human workers, the robot comple-
ments their efforts, allowing teams
to focus on higher-value tasks and
prepare for a more technology-driven
workplace.
SP Group’s inspectors continue
to train SPock by feeding the robot
images of defects and simulated
scenarios, enhancing its ability to
detect anomalies. This iterative learning
process ensures that the robot remains
adaptable to evolving challenges.
SCANNER
|
INDUSTRYNEWS
DEEP Robotics has reached a milestone with the deployment of its X30 quadruped robot,
“SPock,” which has been patrolling sections of a 40 km underground power tunnel in a pilot
project securing Singapore’s electricity supply.
10
M AT E R I A L S E V A L U AT I O N • M A R C H 2 0 2 5
CREDIT:
INTERNATIONAL
SOCIETY
OF
AUTOMATION
decarbonization,” said Lars Bjørn Larsen,
CCO of Norsk e-Fuel. “Boeing’s invest-
ment will further accelerate our project
pipeline and will facilitate the broader
aviation industry’s transition to net-zero
emissions.”
The strategic partnership combines
Boeing’s SAF industry leadership and
fuels expertise with Norsk e-Fuel’s tech-
nology know-how and strong network of
partners, including Norway’s largest air
carrier, Norwegian.
“We look forward to leveraging
Boeing’s expertise and experience in
the development and growth of this
pioneering industry,” said Geir Karlsen,
CEO of Norwegian. “This investment also
reinforces the need for a supportive policy
environment to fully realize the potential of
e-fuels production in Norway, in line with
the Norwegian parliament’s call.”
Founded in 2019, Norsk e-Fuel is
driving the transition to renewable avia-
tion by establishing the industrial produc-
tion of sustainable fuels based on CO2
and water. As a project developer, the
company is building large-scale produc-
tion sites to supply synthetic fuels to the
aviation industry. Supported by strategic
investors, Norsk e-Fuel is bringing PtL
production to an industrial scale and
developing a new value chain for sustain-
able fuels.
DEEP ROBOTICS’ X30
ROBOT DOG PIONEERS
SMART INSPECTION IN
SINGAPORE POWER
CABLE TUNNEL
DEEP Robotics, a leading Chinese
developer of quadrupedal robotics,
has reached a major milestone with the
deployment of its industrial-grade quad-
ruped robot, the X30.
Nicknamed “SPock” within Singapore’s
SP Group, the robot is now operational
in the country’s extensive underground
power transmission cable network,
marking it the first Chinese quadruped
robot deployed in an overseas power
system.
The partnership with SP Group marks
a significant step in DEEP Robotics’
global expansion and highlights the
growing role of emerging technologies
such as robotics and digitization in infra-
structure maintenance.
SPock, adapted from the X30 model,
has been patrolling sections of a 40 km
underground power transmission tunnel
as part of a pilot project designed to
ensure the security of Singapore’s elec-
tricity supply.
Equipped with high-resolution
cameras, thermal imaging sensors,
and advanced perception algorithms,
the robot autonomously navigates the
tunnels, screening for defects such as
cracks, water seepage, and other anom-
alies. It generates real-time reports at the
end of each inspection, allowing mainte-
nance staff to prioritize repairs and miti-
gate risks effectively.
SPock’s capabilities extend beyond
routine inspections. It also serves as a
first responder during emergencies,
assessing situations and providing real-
time updates without requiring human
entry into potentially hazardous zones.
This innovation not only enhances safety
but also significantly reduces operational
costs, enabling frontline inspectors to
focus on critical data analysis and repairs.
Following the success of the pilot, SP
Group plans to deploy SPock on a wider
scale. This initiative is expected to save
480 hours of manual inspection annually.
Deploying SPock in Singapore
required DEEP Robotics to address
unique challenges posed by the local
environment. Unlike China’s power infra-
structure, Singapore’s underground
tunnels have different layouts and cable
placements, necessitating customized
solutions.
“We had to adjust SPock’s sensors,
algorithms, and navigation logic to adapt
to Singapore’s specific requirements,”
said Hank Cheng, Senior Sales Manager
at Deep Robotics. The team conducted
extensive safety assessments and refined
SPock’s software over several months to
ensure optimal performance.
Beyond transforming cable tunnel
inspections, SPock’s deployment has
fostered a collaborative environment
within SP Group. Rather than replacing
human workers, the robot comple-
ments their efforts, allowing teams
to focus on higher-value tasks and
prepare for a more technology-driven
workplace.
SP Group’s inspectors continue
to train SPock by feeding the robot
images of defects and simulated
scenarios, enhancing its ability to
detect anomalies. This iterative learning
process ensures that the robot remains
adaptable to evolving challenges.
SCANNER
|
INDUSTRYNEWS
DEEP Robotics has reached a milestone with the deployment of its X30 quadruped robot,
“SPock,” which has been patrolling sections of a 40 km underground power tunnel in a pilot
project securing Singapore’s electricity supply.
10
M AT E R I A L S E V A L U AT I O N • M A R C H 2 0 2 5
CREDIT:
INTERNATIONAL
SOCIETY
OF
AUTOMATION
