Assam: IIT Guwahati Startup's Robotic Innovations Revolutionize Oil Tank Maintenance

GUWAHATI: Innovative Indian startup, BetaTank Robotics, incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), has pioneered two groundbreaking robotic solutions for the oil industry. These robots offer a safer, more cost-effective, and environmentally responsible way to maintain and clean petroleum tanks, eliminating the need for hazardous human entry.

Founded in 2019 at the IITG-Technology Incubation Centre, BetaTank Robotics has filled a critical gap in the oil and natural gas industry, where human entry poses significant risks and potential liabilities for major corporations. These robots are game-changers, reducing risks and downtime while improving safety.

BetaTank's first solution involves a robot designed to clean crude oil tank bottom sludge. These robots efficiently sweep tank sludge and pump it to a receptacle located outside the tank. What sets these robots apart from their global counterparts are three distinct Unique Selling Propositions (USPs).

The second solution from BetaTank is a robot capable of water washing and stripping petrol pump tanks at retail outlets. These robots navigate inside the tanks, extending their arms to water-wash and strip the tanks, simplifying the gas freeing process by making it easy, risk-free, and quick.

Prof Senthilmurugan, Chairperson of the IITG-TIC, spoke about BetaTank Robotics' journey, highlighting the power of passion, innovation, and a robust support network. To fuel their next growth phase, the IITG-TIC is actively facilitating crucial investments and strategic partnerships with esteemed investors aligned with their vision.

BetaTank's founder, Captain D Chandrasekhar, shared his vision for these crude oil robots, which had been a dream since 1995 when he served as a ship's officer. He emphasized the technological superiority of these compact and low-height robots, which can easily navigate under heating coils found in many tanks. The robots are equipped with a pump that can handle thick sludge efficiently, a unique feature compared to vacuum truck solutions.

In recognition of their groundbreaking work, BetaTank Robotics received the Best Start-up award at the India Energy Week Summit in Bengaluru in February 2023. This achievement has led to a surge in requests from various petroleum industry players for diverse robotic applications, and BetaTank Robotics has been actively working on fulfilling these requests.

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