For environmental and safety reasons, large petrochemical and other storage tanks must be periodically cleaned and inspected for corrosion. Prior to Mr. Roman's invention, highly trained technicians in bulky, non-permeable clothing and full-breathing apparatus would inspect the tank from the inside. The tank would first need to be drained, and then the technicians would manually inspect the tank, searching for variations in thickness and recording the measurements. The process was time-consuming and dangerous. This invention ensures a safer, more efficient and thorough inspection and cleaning. An additional benefit is that the tanks do not have to be drained, as the robot is lowered through a roof port. Mr. Roman's other patents include the use of fuel cell powered automobiles for the generation of on-site electrical power, a system for determining the position and work point of a device, automated meter inspection and reading, and a method of increasing a specific chemical yield (Taxol) from a plant.

Mr. Roman is one of the premier proponents of invention in New Jersey. He has given numerous lectures and presentations on inventors, inventions and innovations to children of all ages, community organizations and professional societies. He established the Student Project Team program for NJ engineering students. He has published/presented over 400 technical papers, monographs, books and articles and over 600 poems, prose and short stories. His many awards include "Distinguished Technology Educator 1999" and IEEE's 1996 "Meritorious Achievement Award in Continuing Education" for creating an "Engineer's Guide to Business" book and CD series.