As robotics continues to transform inspection and maintenance across capital-intensive industries, access to trusted knowledge, practical guidance, and validated insights is essential for accelerating adoption. To support this mission, SPRINT Robotics has developed a growing portfolio of publications that help bridge the gap between innovation and real-world deployment.
Publications ranging from technical guidelines and white papers to industry reports and the widely recognized SPRINT Robotics Roadmap serve as valuable resources for asset owners, technology providers, researchers, and policymakers navigating the rapidly evolving I&M robotics landscape.
Many of these publications originate from SPRINT Robotics Action Groups, which bring together industry experts to address practical challenges related to inspection and maintenance of specific industrial assets.
Supporting the Adoption of Robotics in Industry
SPRINT Robotics publications play an important role in advancing the practical deployment of robotics technologies by:
- Promoting uniform operational procedures across industry stakeholders
- Identifying technology improvements and development opportunities
- Aligning the industry around shared goals and priorities
- Enabling innovators and researchers to contribute to real-world solutions
- Informing policymakers about evolving industrial technologies
- Helping asset owners adapt operational procedures to integrate robotics
These resources are designed to ensure that the development of robotics technologies remains closely aligned with real operational needs and safety requirements.
All SPRINT Robotics publications are available free of charge to participating member companies, providing valuable insights that support collaboration and knowledge sharing across the global robotics ecosystem.
SPRINT Robotics TRL9 Catalogue: Proven Solutions Ready for Deployment
One of the additions to the SPRINT Robotics publication portfolio is the SPRINT Robotics TRL9 Catalogue Volume 1. Building on the success of the first edition, Volume 2 of the catalogue is expected to be released very soon, further expanding the overview of proven, deployable robotics solutions for inspection and maintenance.
The catalogue provides asset owners with a curated overview of proven robotic technologies that have reached Technology Readiness Level 9 (TRL9), the highest level of technological maturity, indicating that the solution is fully deployable in operational environments.
The first volume was developed by identifying more than 100 companies with potential TRL9 solutions, followed by a detailed verification process that resulted in a list of 50 confirmed deployable technologies.
Robotic platforms in the catalogue are classified into four categories:
- Inspection
- Cleaning
- Fabric Maintenance
- General applications
By highlighting robotics solutions ready for immediate use, the TRL9 Catalogue helps organizations accelerate adoption, improve operational efficiency, and identify technologies that can deliver real value today.
Best Practices for Robotic Field Worker Deployment
SPRINT Robotics has also developed a Best Practices document for Robotic Field Worker Solutions, providing practical guidance for companies deploying robotics at remote industrial sites.
The document addresses key aspects of integrating robotic solutions into existing operations, including:
- Design reviews and factory acceptance testing
- Communication and navigation systems
- Inspection data interpretation
- Digital integration with operational systems
- Ethical and operational considerations
The publication also introduces the concept of Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS), a model that includes not only the robotic system itself but also maintenance, repair, upgrades, and logistics required for routine industrial deployment.
As the field continues to evolve, the document is designed as a living resource, with future versions incorporating new operational insights and industry experiences.
The SPRINT Robotics Roadmap
The SPRINT Robotics Roadmap remains one of the organization’s most influential publications.
On its fourth edition, the roadmap outlines key priorities and development directions for robotics adoption across the petrochemical and industrial sectors. The latest version includes expanded sections covering renewable energy, cleaning, and fabric maintenance, as well as additional insights on remote operation of robots.
The roadmap provides both a concise overview for decision-makers and detailed technical sections addressing key inspection applications such as:
- Aboveground storage tanks
- Pressure vessels
- Process piping
- Remote operation systems
These insights help guide technology development and industry collaboration in areas where robotics can deliver the greatest operational value.
Addressing Safety, Standards, and Emerging Technologies
SPRINT Robotics publications also explore critical technical and regulatory topics, including:
Explosion Safety White Paper
This publication outlines legal and technical considerations for operating robotic systems in potentially explosive environments. It examines regulations, certification processes, risk mitigation strategies, and current industry practices.
Comparison of Robotic and Human Inspection of Pressure Vessels Report
Based on trials conducted at the Total OLEUM test site in Dunkirk, this report compares robotic inspection methods with traditional human-entry inspections, providing valuable insights into performance, efficiency, and safety considerations.
Artificial Intelligence for Inspection of Steel Constructions Report
This report explores how machine learning can improve the inspection of steel assets, highlighting opportunities to increase inspection accuracy and efficiency while identifying current technological bottlenecks.
Industry Guidelines Supporting Robotics Adoption
SPRINT Robotics has also developed detailed operational guidelines to support the safe and effective use of robotics in industrial inspections.
These include:
- Guidelines for the Application of Robotics for the Offline Inspection of Pressure Vessels
- Guidelines for the Application of Robotics for In-service Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks
Both documents provide guidance on preparation, execution, and reporting requirements for robotic inspections, helping asset operators move away from human-entry inspections toward safer and more repeatable robotic solutions.
A Growing Knowledge Base for the Robotics Industry
Through its expanding publication portfolio, SPRINT Robotics continues to provide industry-driven knowledge that supports the safe, efficient, and scalable deployment of robotics technologies.
By bringing together expertise from asset owners, technology developers, and researchers, these publications contribute to building a stronger foundation for robotics adoption across inspection and maintenance applications worldwide.
SPRINT Robotics member companies can download all publications free of charge through the SPRINT Robotics Community platform.