ARV to deploy AI for farming, analytics
AI and Robotics Ventures (ARV), a subsidiary of PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), is diversifying into agriculture by developing AI (artificial intelligence) and data analytics systems for local farming.
Thana Slanvetpan, ARV’s general manager, said the company is planning a joint venture with Thaicom in a collaboration with this project.
“The co-development will also cover the development of drones to spray fertiliser on farms to integrate smart farming concepts fully,” he said.
ARV will join forces with sugar miller Mitr Phol Group to develop robots and AI for sugar-cane planting.
The agricultural sector is vital to the economy, and there is opportunity to add more value to the existing system in order to raise productivity, cut losses and increase margins in the farm business by adopting AI and data analytics, Mr Thana said.
“Thailand’s agricultural sector contributes 10% of GDP but employs roughly 70% of the country’s population,” he said. “ARV has seen a huge need and space for smart farming innovations.”
Founded in September 2018, ARV has a three-year business plan (201921) to search for innovation in AI and robotics to support PTTEP’s exploration and production activities.
PTTEP earmarked US$50 million in May 2019 for the plan, which includes designing mobile apps for petroleum industry activity.
Mr Thana said 2020 is ARV’s second of year operations.
The company plans to provide AI and robotics for petrochemical production and renewable power generation with autonomous robots to inspect underwater pipelines.
“This robot will help operators maintain pipelines and prevent accidents, resulting in lower costs and longer useful life for equipment and machinery,” he said. “Robots can also estimate schedules for maintenance and retirement.”
Mr Thana said ARV plans to field test a new robot for subsea flow line control and repair by mid-2020 and begin commercial production after the test.
“AI and robotics have increased significantly over the past two years, and ARV expects revenue to double in the coming years,” he said. “ARV is set to add 24-38 employees this year to serve the fast growth of engineering in data analytics, AI and robotics.”