Oil and gas pipeline robot localization techniques: A review

Globally, pipelines are the primary means for transporting resources. To ensure the safety and reliability of pipeline transportation, it is essential to regularly use pipeline robots for inspections. Localization techniques for these robots are critical as they determine the real-time position and status of the robot inside the pipeline, playing an extremely important role in pipeline operations. Understanding the latest research trends in pipeline robot localization techniques can help advance the overall development of the pipeline field and reduce the potential for research duplication. This paper reviews the global developments in pipeline robot localization techniques over the past decade, categorizing them into three major methods: in-pipe localization, out-of-pipe localization and multi-source information fusion localization. It analyzes the fundamentals, strengths and weaknesses of eight major localization techniques for pipeline robots, identifies the current limitations and solutions in these technologies, discusses the field test analysis and practical design factors, and anticipates the open research challenges and future prospects of this field.