AI Model for Comprehensive Plant Management in Oil and Gas Operations
Image Credits:Schmooly / Applied Computing
Applied Computing Secures $20 Million Series A to Transform Oil and Gas Industry with AI
London Startup Emerges in the Energy Sector
Applied Computing, a London-based startup, has successfully raised $20 million in a Series A funding round. The investment was led by engineering powerhouse KBR, with participation from Databricks Ventures. Established in 2023, Applied Computing aims to revolutionize the oil, gas, and petrochemical industry through its innovative AI model.
Understanding the Challenge in Energy Data Management
The energy sector often operates under a cloud of data fragmentation. In complex facilities, thousands of sensors monitor a variety of parameters such as temperature, pressure, velocity, and viscosity. Despite the volume of data collected, energy companies often make operational decisions based on less than 8% of the available information. Co-founder and CEO Callum Adamson explains that while operators gather significant data, the challenge lies in quickly integrating and analyzing diverse sources—sensor data, engineering documentation, and relevant physical and chemical principles.
“The key is getting these three data sources to communicate in real time,” Adamson said in a conversation with TechCrunch.
The Orbital AI Model: A Breakthrough in Real-Time Analysis
Applied Computing’s foundational model, named Orbital, sets itself apart from traditional large language models by combining a time series model, a physics-based model, and a language model. This integration allows Orbital to predict the operational state of a facility effectively. By analyzing real-time sensor data while considering physical constraints and operator activities, Orbital can also simulate potential changes and their impacts on the entire system.
According to Adamson, Orbital can identify anomalies, determine their causes, and assess whether proposed fixes may introduce additional issues—all within a matter of minutes. This capability effectively transforms an investigation process that once took days or even weeks into mere seconds, enabling operators to minimize energy usage while sustaining productivity.
Rapid Growth and Adoption in the Industry
The response from the market has been promising. Within just 18 months, Applied Computing has transitioned from stealth mode to generating double-digit millions in annual recurring revenue. Orbital has been adopted by several sizable, publicly listed companies in upstream oil and gas as well as downstream refining and petrochemicals, although Adamson has not disclosed specific client numbers.
Key partnerships have fueled this growth; Applied Computing collaborates with Indian energy firm Wipro and has integrated Orbital into KBR’s INSITE 3.0 digital platform for energy projects, particularly for ammonia production. There are also plans to collaborate with a major U.S. upstream operator, with an announcement regarding a partnership with a European oil giant expected soon.
Navigating a Competitive Landscape
Despite its advancements, Applied Computing is entering a competitive arena. Established players like AspenTech and AVEVA offer simulation and AI-driven software solutions for various operational aspects. Companies such as Cognite and Seeq focus on the data layer and support facilities in analyzing industrial data and designing workflows.
Adamson asserts that Applied Computing’s competitive advantage lies not in access to data or industry knowledge but in its ability to attract top-tier AI researchers devoted to developing a model capable of rivaling Orbital’s capabilities. “This is an AI problem, not a data or energy problem. If you’re a top AI researcher, would you choose to work for Shell? I don’t think so,” he remarked.
Valuable Data from Deployments
Another significant aspect of Applied Computing’s approach is the unique data generated through its deployments. The operational data sourced from refineries and energy facilities is generally not publicly accessible, and simulated data often fails to replicate the conditions within an active plant.
The partnership with KBR further enhances Applied Computing’s resources by providing access to operational data, industry expertise, and connections to potential customers.
Plans for Expansion and Development
To further its mission, Applied Computing intends to allocate the recently acquired $20 million to international expansion, hiring talent in research and engineering roles, and exploring new deployments with energy clients.
The company has recently opened a new office in Houston, complementing its headquarters in London and its operational center in Bengaluru. This U.S. location strategically positions Applied Computing closer to two existing North American customers, with plans to expand into the Middle East on the horizon.
In Summary
Applied Computing is poised to make a significant impact on the oil, gas, and petrochemical industry through its groundbreaking AI model, Orbital. With substantial financial backing and strategic partnerships, the startup is addressing the long-standing challenge of data fragmentation in energy operations. By striving for real-time integration and analysis of crucial operational data, Applied Computing aims to empower energy companies to make informed decisions, leading to enhanced efficiency and reduced energy consumption. The startup’s commitment to innovation and strategic growth signals an exciting future for the organization and the industry at large.
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