Enabling Technologies Research Articles

Robotic Technology Enables Automated Nondestructive Weld Inspection in Subsea Zone

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 215588, “Automated Nondestructive Weld Inspection in Splash/Subsea Zone,” by Karsten Husby, Magnus Bjerkeng, and Jens T. Thieleman, SINTEF, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ Jacket structures all over the world are now reaching the limit of their estimated service life, but new discoveries and improved production methods require lifetime extension of the assets. The complete paper presents an automated underwater robot and a nondestructive testing (NDT) eddy-current probe for alternating-current field-measurement analysis of jacket main welds. This robot makes integrity testing, which often is required for lifetime extensions, possible. Introduction Jacket lifetime calculations are based on long service intervals. Some welded braces in the splash zone often are considered unserviceable because of the hostile environment. Thus, divers or remotely operated vehicles cannot be used under normal weather conditions and wave heights. Structural integrity is ensured with long service intervals, often long enough for the lifetime of the jacket. However, multiple jacket platforms are approaching their certified lifespan limit. The question, then, is whether they should be decommissioned, reused, or have their lifespan extended. New discoveries and improved production methods make extended operation desirable for certain fields. For other platforms, repurposing for offshore wind, aquaculture, or geothermal energy may be a cost-effective alternative. Regardless, before any action can be taken, the integrity of the jackets must be tested. There is, therefore, a growing need for subsea condition monitoring of aging offshore jacket steel platforms. To speed up operations and to handle complicated health, safety, and environment (HSE) issues in the splash zone, robots can be used. A robot for NDT inspection in the hostile splash zone is pictured in Fig. 1. The robot clamps itself to the circular braces and is equipped with 3D vision camera, kinematics algorithms, and an NDT probe. Integrity Testing Under Rough Conditions Testing for integrity of critical infrastructure often is performed by different NDT methods. In this study, eddy-current testing was chosen as the preferred method because it is fast and can penetrate layers of marine growth on the surface. The normal procedure is to use lightweight hand-held equipment. The splash zone, however, is often inaccessible under modern HSE standards. In this project, an automated NDT robot helped conduct efficient NDT testing for longer periods in challenging conditions. This robot offloads the NDT operator and makes testing more efficient.

Analysis of Industry 4.0 technological enablers for sustainable supply chain transparency in a fuzzy environment

AbstractThis study aims to identify various Industry 4.0 technological enablers and analyze their relationships in achieving transparency in sustainable supply chains. Initially, 17 Industry 4.0 technological enablers were selected based on an extensive literature review of sustainable supply chains and evaluated through Systems and Information Processing theories. Using the fuzzy Delphi method, these enablers were then narrowed down to 14 relevant ones. The reliability of these enablers was assessed by measuring their internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha (α) and McDonald's omega (ω). The fuzzy Decision‐Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method was then used to demonstrate that blockchain, cybersecurity, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI) are the most prominent and influential enablers for enhancing transparency in a sustainable supply chain. Additionally, the cause–effect relationship of other key enablers provides evidence for a feasibility study that links sustainability with transparency across the supply chain. These identified Industry 4.0 technological enablers can assist external stakeholders and policymakers in improving transparency and advancing sustainable supply chain practices.

Effecting the adoption of blockchain technology enablers in supply chain sustainability with green hydrogen acceptance role as a mediator: Evidence from complex decarbonization industries in the United Arab Emirates

The industrial sector is undergoing a pervasive digital transformation in the current landscape, particularly in steel, cement, chemicals, and refineries. These are collectively termed "complex decarbonization industries (CDI)," where reducing emissions poses a significant challenge. Green hydrogen (GH) production, conducted sustainability, represents an innovative solution that facilitates energy storage and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. However, producing green hydrogen requires effective management and flexible strategic decisions to ensure transparency and environmental friendliness. This paper utilizes blockchain technology enablers (BCTE) to track carbon emissions and ensure the origin of green gas in these sectors while independently exploring its relationship to a sustainable supply chain (SSC). GH is presented as a mediating variable in this relationship. Utilizing a cross-sectional methodology, the research gathered data via interviews and an online survey from 462 employees in companies participating in the 2022 Shams Dubai program under the aegis of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority in the UAE. The Structural Equation Modeling - Analysis of Moment Structures (SEM-AMOS) technique was used to perform the statistical analyses. Based on interviews and survey results in the UAE's CDI, the findings show that BCTE directly impacts SSC's social and environmental dimensions, while its effect on the economic dimension is negative. However, when GH mediated this relationship, the results were indirectly positive in enhancing the SSC in complex decarbonization industries without any negative environmental effects. Adopting GH is a way to reward sustainable behavior. The findings of this study could inform the UAE's policymaking, particularly in designing incentives for GH adoption in industrial sectors and creating regulatory frameworks that encourage BCTE integration for energy tracking and emissions reduction. This approach could serve as a model for similar economies striving for sustainable industrial practices.

Thin film ferroelectric photonic-electronic memory

To reduce system complexity and bridge the interface between electronic and photonic circuits, there is a high demand for a non-volatile memory that can be accessed both electrically and optically. However, practical solutions are still lacking when considering the potential for large-scale complementary metal-oxide semiconductor compatible integration. Here, we present an experimental demonstration of a non-volatile photonic-electronic memory based on a 3-dimensional monolithic integrated ferroelectric-silicon ring resonator. We successfully demonstrate programming and erasing the memory using both electrical and optical methods, assisted by optical-to-electrical-to-optical conversion. The memory cell exhibits a high optical extinction ratio of 6.6 dB at a low working voltage of 5 V and an endurance of 4 × 104 cycles. Furthermore, the multi-level storage capability is analyzed in detail, revealing stable performance with a raw bit-error-rate smaller than 5.9 × 10−2. This ground-breaking work could be a key technology enabler for future hybrid electronic-photonic systems, targeting a wide range of applications such as photonic interconnect, high-speed data communication, and neuromorphic computing.

Ethanol synthesis via catalytic CO2 hydrogenation over multi-elemental KFeCuZn/ZrO2 catalyst.

Technological enablers that use CO2 as a feedstock to create value-added chemicals, including ethanol, have gained widespread appeal. They offer a potential solution to climate change and promote the development of a circular economy. However, the conversion of CO2 to ethanol poses significant challenges, not only because CO2 is a thermodynamically stable and chemically inert molecule but also because of the complexity of the reaction routes and uncontrollability of C-C coupling. In this study, we developed an efficient catalyst, K-Fe-Cu-Zn/ZrO2 (KFeCuZn/ZrO2), which enhances the EtOH space time yield (STYEtOH) to 5.4 mmol gcat -1 h-1, under optimized conditions (360 °C, 4 MPa, and 12 L gcat -1 h-1). Furthermore, we investigated the roles of each constituent element using in situ/operando spectroscopy such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). These results demonstrate that all components are necessary for efficient ethanol synthesis.

Applied Research on Internet of Things Technology Enabling Intelligent Logistics

Applied Research on Internet of Things Technology Enabling Intelligent Logistics

A Review on Enabling Technologies of Industrial Virtual Training Systems

A Review on Enabling Technologies of Industrial Virtual Training Systems

Feasibility of peak temperature targets in light of institutional constraints

Despite faster-than-expected progress in clean energy technology deployment, global annual CO2 emissions have increased from 2020 to 2023. The feasibility of limiting warming to 1.5 °C is therefore questioned. Here we present a model intercomparison study that accounts for emissions trends until 2023 and compares cost-effective scenarios to alternative scenarios with institutional, geophysical and technological feasibility constraints and enablers informed by previous literature. Our results show that the most ambitious mitigation trajectories with updated climate information still manage to limit peak warming to below 1.6 °C (‘low overshoot’) with around 50% likelihood. However, feasibility constraints, especially in the institutional dimension, decrease this maximum likelihood considerably to 5–45%. Accelerated energy demand transformation can reduce costs for staying below 2 °C but have only a limited impact on further increasing the likelihood of limiting warming to 1.6 °C. Our study helps to establish a new benchmark of mitigation scenarios that goes beyond the dominant cost-effective scenario design.

Exploring the linkage of green values and green attitude in green behaviour: moderating role of green climate among Indian employees

Purpose Employees behaviour is an important factor need to be reviewed while considering the implementation of green practices in the organisations. Green employee behaviour is widely discussed area both in research and practice, as organisations look for more green practices and environment friendly approaches. This study aims to understand the association of green values, green attitude and green behaviour of information technology (IT) employees in India. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 334 employees who works in IT/ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services) organisations in India. For analysing the data, structural equation modelling was used. Findings The significant positive relationships were revealed in the associations of green values, green attitude and green behaviour. Green attitude found to be mediating the relationship between the green values and green behaviour. The study also explored the moderating roles of green culture and green HRM practices. Originality/value The study stands among the pioneers that discuss green perspectives of IT employees in an emerging economy context. The study can give remarkable inputs for organisations that try for environment friendly practices and its successful implementation.

Can industry 4.0 work together with lean? An investigation from Malaysian lean manufacturing sector

An examination of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and its impact on lean manufacturing (LM) is not yet detailed, properly evaluated or validated. Notably, there is a lack of recent studies that evaluated I4.0 technology mapping and prioritization in the LM industrial context in Malaysia. The study aims to evaluate how I4.0 technology enablers influence the use of lean tools. Moreover, this study evaluates the correlation between company type and I4.0 implementation maturity, familiarity, and sources exhibiting an inclination to advance skills. The study evaluated 208 respondents belonging to several LM enterprises in Malaysia. Self-administered questionnaires were used and association analysis, based on the independence test, was used to assess the consensus based on the devised hypothesis. The outcomes were obtained using correspondence assessment of the asymptotic significant correlation coefficient (p) in which to draw conclusions using the p determined during hypothesis evaluation, a 0.05 significance level indicates all null hypotheses must be accepted. Moreover, the three elements; I4.0, LMP, and LMSs are significant with 0.897, 0.980, and 0.876 values, respectively. The outcomes indicate a strongly positive correlation between I4.0 and LM system (LMS). This observation is expected to help Malaysian LM practitioners to anticipate the future lean landscape based on the boundless innovation provided by these Technologies as the anticipated outcome is a strong positive correlation between I4.0 and LM systems (LMS). This finding would empower Malaysian LM practitioners to anticipate the future of lean manufacturing, shaped by the boundless innovation potential of I4.0 technologies. By embracing this convergence, companies can unlock a future of enhanced productivity driven by autonomous operations and data-driven decision making. Therefore, using lean in the context of I4.0 is a promising combination for improving future productivity through autonomous operations.

Analysis of the Impact of Artificial Intelligence Technology Enablement on Corporate Financial Management

Analysis of the Impact of Artificial Intelligence Technology Enablement on Corporate Financial Management

Experimenting on the metaverse to foster innovation

Purpose This study aims to investigate the evolving concept of the metaverse and its implications for service innovation. It seeks to understand how integrating technologies such as extended reality, blockchain, artificial intelligence and non-fungible tokens enables companies to experiment and innovate. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a qualitative methodology, this investigation conducts an immersive netnography across more than 25 case studies spanning diverse industries such as gaming, retail, health care and education. The thematic analysis method is used to distill critical insights, providing a deep dive into the technological enablers, innovation processes and market adaptations within the metaverse. Findings The study addresses four main building blocks through which companies experiment with the metaverse to foster innovation: enabling virtual identities’ agency, developing non-fungible tokens, designing immersive paths and crafting phygital microworlds. They shape the metaverse by enacting actors, resources, processes and phygital ecosystems. Companies obtain learning outcomes from such experimentation and identify learning challenges. Originality/value This research contributes to the nascent body of knowledge on the metaverse and service innovation by providing a comprehensive framework that encapsulates the multifaceted ways companies experiment within the metaverse. It extends the understanding of digital-physical convergence in service research, offering theoretical and practical insights into the development of phygital service ecosystems.

Leveraging predictive analytics for strategic decision-making: Enhancing business performance through data-driven insights

This paper explores the transformative role of predictive analytics in enhancing strategic decision-making and business performance. It delves into the components of predictive analytics, including data mining, machine learning, and statistical techniques. It highlights its historical evolution and technological enablers like big data platforms, cloud computing, and AI. The paper examines how predictive analytics improves profitability, efficiency, and market share by providing actionable insights from raw data. It also discusses emerging trends such as advancements in AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and real-time analytics while addressing associated risks like data privacy and ethical considerations. The conclusion underscores the necessity of adopting predictive analytics for sustainable growth and competitive advantage in today's data-driven business environment.

Dementia Ideal Care: Ecosystem Map of Best Practices and Care Pathways Enhanced by Technology and Community.

Globally, much work has been done by nonprofit, private, and academic groups to develop best practices for the care of people living with dementia (PLWD), including Alzheimer's disease. However, these best practices reside in disparate repositories and tend to focus on one phase of the patient journey or one relevant group. To fill this gap, we developed a Dementia Ideal Care Map that everyone in the dementia ecosystem can use as an actionable tool for awareness, policy development, funding, research, training, service delivery, and technology design. The intended audience includes (and not limited to) policymakers, academia, industry, technology developers, health system leaders, clinicians, social service providers, patient advocates, PLWD, their families, and communities at large. A search was conducted for published dementia care best practices and quality measures, which were then summarized in a visual diagram. The draft diagram was analyzed to identify barriers to ideal care. Then, additional processes, services, technologies, and quality measures to overcome those challenges were brainstormed. Feedback was then obtained from experts. The Dementia Ideal Care Map summarizes the ecosystem of over 200 best practices, nearly 100 technology enablers, other infrastructure, and enhanced care pathways in one comprehensive diagram. It includes psychosocial interventions, care partner support, community-based organizations; awareness, risk reduction; initial detection, diagnosis, ongoing medical care; governments, payers, health systems, businesses, data, research, and training. Dementia Ideal Care Map is a practical tool for planning and coordinating dementia care. This visualized ecosystem approach can be applied to other conditions.

Technological co-development competence: A longitudinal case of a software development spinout

Through a single longitudinal case study of an Italian spinout, this paper develops the concept and processes of technology co-development competence (TCDC). The study adopts the market-as-network perspective for its theoretical framing. TCDC is developed in interaction with customers in a spinout’s network. This competency is possessed by the firm and enacted for the development of its technology within its business network over time - from establishment to embeddedness. The TCDC concept is developed from the literature and case data and is made up of three elements – information and knowledge integration, multi-actor coordination, and interface management. The data collected comprises twenty eight interviews with twelve informants. The study also examines how TCDC evolves in interaction between the focal firm and its business network. It is found to evolve through four processes – technological frictions and tensions management, network-level relationship processes, product features development, and technological co-development enablement. The study outlines a model that presents how TCDC evolves over time in the spinout’s network as it engages with an increasing number of different actors. The model highlights how the elements and processes of TCDC unfold.

The Appeals, Dilemmas, and Pathways of Enabling Rural Teachers’ Professional Development Through Emerging Technologies

With the rapid advancements in technology, especially in digitalization and intelligence, numerous modern technologies have poured into rural schools, effectively improving their informatization conditions. Nevertheless, these technologies remain detached from rural teachers, failing to significantly enhance the quality of education and teaching in rural areas. Rural education is a crucial aspect of ensuring balanced development in education. The question of how to enhance rural teachers’ technological application abilities and fully leverage the positive role of technology in rural education and teaching has become a significant topic of current research on rural education issues. To better address this question, this study conducted a thorough examination of the specific appeals of rural teachers in the process of technology enablement. It was discovered that rural teachers generally face dilemmas such as insufficient technological application abilities, difficulties in obtaining quality teaching resources, and the lack of continuous technical support and update mechanisms. Based on these findings, specific pathways such as strengthening rural teacher training, optimizing the allocation of educational resources, and establishing mechanisms for continuous technical support and updates are proposed to aid in the high-quality development of rural education.

Value Realization of Intelligent Emergency Management: Research Framework from Technology Enabling to Value Creation

This paper studies the application and the application value of intelligent emergency for emergency management in the big data environment, to fill the research gap that neglected the application value (performance) measurement of intelligent emergency, further improving the effectiveness of intelligent emergency management. Firstly, bibliometric analyses of approximately 3900 documents in intelligent emergency field are imported, and the future research trend of intelligent emergency management is cleared. Theory of STT (Socio-Technical Theory), concerning technical system and social system, is introduced. The concept of emergency management system ‘technology enabling’ and ‘enabling value creation’ are defined in accordance with the bibliometric analyses and STT. Secondly, a research framework including ‘technology enabling’ and ‘enabling value creation’ for decision-making paradigm in emergency management according to the big data environment is constructed. Furthermore, detail analyses approach from intelligent emergency ‘technology enabling’ to ‘enabling value creation’ in emergency management are proposed. Finally, earthquake disasters are taken as an example and specific analyses of the intelligent emergency enabling and enabling value creation are explored, specifically, the enabling value creation are discussed from the view of measurable indicators. The clear concept of emergency management system ‘technology enabling’ and ‘enabling value creation’ as well as the detail analyses approach from intelligent emergency ‘technology enabling’ to ‘enabling value creation’ provide theoretical basis for scholars and practitioners to evaluating the value (performance) of intelligent emergency for the first time.

Technology Enabled Remote Monitoring in Schools(TERMS): A Case Study Series Using Parallel Testing in Clinical Settings and School Workshops

Technology Enabled Remote Monitoring in Schools(TERMS): A Case Study Series Using Parallel Testing in Clinical Settings and School Workshops

Editorial — Special Issue on Advanced Air Mobility: Enabling Technologies and Applications

Editorial — Special Issue on Advanced Air Mobility: Enabling Technologies and Applications

A Framework for FDM-based DFAM: Key Enabling Technologies for Knowledge-based Design

The booming and evolution of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies call for robust key enabling technologies and solutions to the ongoing advancement of AM. However, there are limitations to the fused deposition modeling-based design for AM (FDM-based DFAM), including an inadequate understanding of the process activities and the progressive industrialization, which make the concept generation operations unreliable, inconsistent, and of limited influence. This paper proposes a principle knowledge-based framework for enabling technologies in FDM-based DFAM to provide solutions to the abovementioned engineering problems to increase the viability of industrial applications. Consequently, a case study application is used to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of our approach.